SAMURAI-S: Sonic Anemometer on a MUlti-Rotor drone for Atmospheric turbulence Investigation in a Sling load configuration

• Published in: Atmospheric measurement techniques Vol. 18; no. 9; pp. 2103 - 2124
• Main Authors: Ghirardelli, Mauro, Kral, Stephan T., Cheynet, Etienne, Reuder, Joachim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Katlenburg-Lindau Copernicus GmbH 15.05.2025; Copernicus Publications
• Subjects: Algorithms; Analysis; Anemometers; Atmospheric boundary layer; Atmospheric turbulence; Configurations; Drones; Hovering; Investigations; Masts; Navigation systems; Rotors; Sensors; Sonic anemometers; Turbulence; Turbulence measurement; Vectors; Vertical turbulence; Wind measurement; Wind speed; Wind vectors
• ISSN: 1867-8548; 1867-1381; 1867-8548
• DOI: 10.5194/amt-18-2103-2025

This study introduces the SAMURAI-S, a novel measurement system that incorporates a state-of-the-art sonic anemometer combined with a multi-rotor drone in a sling load configuration, designed to overcome the limitations of traditional mast-based observations in terms of spatial flexibility. This system enables the direct measurement of 3D wind vectors while hovering, providing a significant advantage in manoeuvrability and positional accuracy over fixed mast setups. The capabilities of the system were quantified through a series of 10 to 28 min flights, conducting close comparisons of turbulence measurements at altitudes of 30 and 60 m against data from a 60 m tower equipped with research-grade sonic anemometers. The results demonstrate that SAMURAI-S matches the data quality of conventional setups for horizontal wind measurements while slightly overestimating vertical turbulence components. This overestimation increases with wind speed.