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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

High Altitude Clear Air Turbulence Project

HICAT

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The Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory conducted the High Altitude Clear Air Turbulence Project in the mid 1960s with the intention of better understanding air turbulence to improve aircraft structural designs. Upper air wind turbulence was recorded and combined with meteorological forecasts and observations to obtain better statistical understanding of atmospheric turbulence environment and its affect upon aircraft. The Air Force used the U-2 aircraft to collect the data. The U-2 aircraft were intentionally flow into regions of turbulence or suspected turbulence to record results. Although the primary collection points were in Louisiana, California, Maine, Florida, Panama, and England, data was collected all over the world. Over 285 flights contributed to the collection.
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • NCEI Physical Archive Collection: HICAT
  • gov.noaa.ncdc:C01203
gov.noaa.ncdc:C01203
Full Text · XML
Distribution Formats
  • XML
  • Paper
  • PDF
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Customer Engagement Branch
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
1-828-271-4800
ncei.orders@noaa.gov
Time Period 1964-01-01 to 1968-12-31
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -180.0
East: 180.0
South: -90.0
North: 90.0
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Associated Resources
Publication Dates
    No administrative dates available
Data Presentation Form Hardcopy image - image archived in analog format
Dataset Progress Status Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency Not planned
Purpose The results of this experiment were used to improve how meteorologists predicted and understood clear air turbulence as well as improve aircraft design.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
Cited Authors
  • Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory
Originators
  • Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory
Publishers
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Dynamics > Vertical Wind Velocity/Speed
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Dynamics > Wind Shear
Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Essential Climate Variables (ECVs)
  • Atmospheric - Upper-air - Upper-air Wind Speed And Direction
Keyword Thesaurus Title
  • Hicat
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Platform keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords
  • AIRCRAFT
Instrument keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
  • Wind Vanes
  • Gust Probes
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America > Louisiana
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America > Maine
  • Continent > North America > Central America > Panama
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America > Florida
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America > California
  • Continent > Europe > Northern Europe > British Isles > United Kingdom
Stratum keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Vertical Location > Land Surface
  • Vertical Location > Troposphere
Use Constraints
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Lineage Statement Data were collected by Air Force U-2 flights, then compiled by the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory.
Processor
  • Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory
Processing Steps
  • Data were captured and compiled for analysis.
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Last Modified: 2023-09-08
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