The Swiss company Meteomatics has unveiled a new drone called Strato, which has reached a record altitude of 10,438 meters. This unmanned aerial vehicle is designed to collect and transmit meteorological data in real time, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind speed.
Technical Specifications of the Strato Drone
The Strato drone offers several advantages over traditional weather balloons. Unlike balloons that simply drift in the air, Strato can autonomously plan its route, perform measurements at designated points, and return to the launch site. This makes it a more versatile and efficient tool for meteorological research.
Operational Conditions and Capabilities
Strato also features several design elements that allow it to operate in challenging weather conditions:
- Ice protection;
- Withstands winds up to 128 km/h;
- Can operate in rain.
The developers believe that the Strato drone will be an important tool for improving weather forecasts and assessing aviation conditions, although there is currently no discussion of its military application.