Compact Weather Sensor Developed for Military Uses

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Weather sensors are required for a vast array of defense and security missions. The U.S. Air Force has recently awarded a multi-million dollar contract for the production of the Micro Weather Sensor (MWS). The MWS is a remote, unattended, fully operational weather sensor originally developed for the U.S. Special Operations Command. After demonstrating its utility in the field in some of the most remote regions of the world, the U.S. Air Force recognized numerous uses for the MWS technology across its major commands.

The device developed by Intellisense Systems (ISI) condenses all-weather observation capabilities into a single, compact package, including unique features such as a micro LIDAR for cloud height measurement, 360 panoramic imaging for “eyes on the ground” observations, self-locating GPS and compass, and a host of state-of-the-art sensors to give a complete, current, and accurate weather picture.

Among the device features are, according to the company website, a solar cell array and onboard Nickel-Cadmium batteries for continuous operation in harsh environmental conditions, an onboard GPS ability to time-synchronize and provide global location throughout deployment. The device includes also an integrated Iridium satellite transmitter and receiver.

An expansion port allows new capabilities to be added and easy integration of other fielded sensors, including laptop connectivity, external power, CBRNE, surveillance, solar radiation, and other remote battlefield sensors. The onboard imaging capability provides enhanced situational awareness of current weather conditions to enable critical low cloud and restricted visibility validation.

The company plans to fulfill this current contract over the next four to six months and will continue to prepare for subsequent orders.

“The MW provides a capability that is so desperately needed by its users. We developed this system to become the perfect fit for the Department of Defense and other organizations with weather sensing requirements,” said Ben Self, ISI’s Business Development Director, according to prnewswire.com.