Diamond aircraft deliver volcanic ash cloud data

20 April 2010, 2:36pm

Since Saturday, a Diamond HK36 MPP (Multi Purpose Platform), operating at MetAir, the Swiss airborne measurement company, is providing the only specific measurement data from the ash cloud of volcano Eyjafjallajökull.

Since 17th of April, MetAir’s atmospheric scientists have been flying into the ash cloud over Switzerland to gather accurate important measurement data, which had previously been only theoretic.

The Diamond HK36 MPP, able to fly under these conditions, is equipped with special, highly-sensitive measuring sensors and had been obtained by special permission for this purpose. Data on aerosol concentration in the air as well as particle concentration at various altitudes have been measured. The results clearly show that the ash particle concentration is remarkably high and noticeably decreases visibility. Additionally, the ash cloud loses altitude very quickly. At the beginning of the measurement flights the cloud was at an altitude of 5000 meters but only nine hours later it had descended to just 2000 meters.

Diamond aircraft, which are known world-wide for their ability to tackle many diverse missions, are able to fly in the heavy aerosol particle concentration due to being equipped with a special air filter.

For further information, please visit the links below.

Diamond Aircraft

Diamond Sensing

MetAir

Geo: International