ALLSOPP HELIKITES LTD

In 2019, Desert Star Helikites were towed across the Atlantic from Rio De Janeiro to Portugal in order to measure cloud droplet formation for the German Max Planck Research Institute.

 

The Helikites lifted heavy laser droplet monitoring devices to over 5,000ft, high into the clouds to determine exactly how cloud droplets form. The exact mechanism for the creation of cloud droplets is not well understood. Droplet formation is a major factor in cloud cover and other weather, so understanding it is crucial for accurate weather forecasting and research into climate modelling.

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The first crossing was very successful, with excellent new data acquired despite some difficult weather conditions, including very high winds. Following this success, a second crossing was funded, (which is currently traversing the Atlantic) but this time in the opposite direction: following the trade wind clouds from Portugal to Barbados.

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Reports from the researchers on the ship say that outstanding results are being obtained on this second trip, as on the first, and that the Helikite is proving to be an exceptional piece of meteorological equipment.

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No other type of scientific aerostat has ever managed to operate for so long, over such distant sea passages, in such high winds, in such difficult sea conditions. The ships were going at normal speed, not slowing down for Helikite operations. Not only were the Helikites flown singly, but they were sometimes ‘stacked’ one above the other to provide even more altitude whenever required. This is not possible with any other airborne platform.