Accuracy of Wind Determination from the Track of a Falling Object

摘要

Wind information can be obtained by ground-tracking an object as it falls toward the earth. The accuracy of wind data acquired is a function of the object's response to the wind field. This report provides tables from which the response of any object whose drag coefficient is known can be quickly obtained. The limits of this technique for obtaining wind data are delineated for any particular object. Design criteria for a device to meet a stated altitude and accuracy requirement may readily be obtained from the tables.