The Air-Launched Autonomous Micro Observer

Abstract The Air-Launched Autonomous Micro Observer (ALAMO) is a versatile profiling float that can be launched from an aircraft to make temperature and salinity observations of the upper ocean for over year with high temporal sampling. Similar in dimensions weight airborne expendable bathythermograph (AXBT), but same capability as Argo floats, ALAMOs deployed A-sized (sonobuoy) launch tube, stern ramp cargo plane, or door small aircraft. Unlike AXBT, however, ALAMO directly measures pressure, incorporate additional sensors, capable performing hundreds profiles compared single profile provided by AXBT. Upon deployment, parachutes ocean, releases air-deployment package, immediately begins profiling. Ocean data along position engineering information are transmitted via Iridium satellite network, automatically processed, then distributed Global Telecommunications System use operational forecasting community. mission modified using two-way communications change frequency depth. Example included demonstrate ALAMO’s utility.