Vaisala Forward Scatter Sensor FD70 for Aviation
The best-in-class forward scatter technology to optimize airport operations and protect lives.
Get the best visibility and weather detection with new forward scatter technology
The Vaisala FD70 is the leading forward scatter technology for visibility and present weather, including runway visual range (RVR). It sets the standard in airport weather accuracy, detecting 100% of precipitation from the lightest drop to the end of the storm.
Watch our webinar to take an in-depth look at FD70 including:
- Enhanced reporting capabilities in sand and dust obscuration, as well as freezing rain and drizzle detection
- Key innovations including single-particle analysis, unprecedented accuracy and reliability, comprehensive measurement and data security
- How FD70 enhances Auto-METAR reliability and provides the best-in-class Runway Visual Range (RVR) reporting
4 ways the Forward Scatter Sensor FD70 compares to human observation
| Perception | Human | FD70 |
| Identifying precipitation types | Human observation is often in close agreement with the FD70, though distinguishing between snow and mixed rain-snow for example can be more challenging. | Thanks to Vaisala’s patented measurement technology, FD70 can quickly identify mixed precipitation types such as rain and snow. High-resolution cameras have confirmed its accuracy in field tests. |
| Reporting rapid changes during an event | Studies show that with conventional sensors, in 40% of times when METAR reports are amended by a human observer, it is because of false present weather information. | Automatization is sometimes essential to reach operative needs, especially for rapidly-changing parameters. The FD70 can quickly identify and report in these conditions. |
| Droplet size classification | While precipitation is easy to identify in larger sizes, detecting type in smaller sizes becomes less accurate. | The FD70 accurately distinguishes between drizzle and rain, detecting all particles as small as 0.1mm |
| Pinpointing the onset and end of an event | The human eye can generally detect the onset and end of precipitation, but may miss precise timing | The FD70 never sleeps. It reports the beginning and end of an event from several minutes to more than half an hour earlier than human observation. |
Product documentation
Resources
Industry Applications
General FD70 Information
Forward Scatter Sensor FD70 for Meteorology
Get Started with Forward Scatter Sensor FD70
Contact Vaisala to learn how fast response times and superior ability to identify even the smallest precipitation events can drastically improve your present weather reporting and help you make the best decisions — under even the most challenging weather conditions.
