Drop sonde
Encrypted weather data acquisition systemThe challenge
Operating in regions that are remote or difficult to access poses significant challenges for deployed personnel. Teams are often faced with unpredictable weather, limited visibility and rapidly evolving atmospheric conditions that can jeopardise mission security and success.
Because deployment locations often lack infrastructure or ground teams to collect meteorological data in real time, crews must plan with incomplete information. This uncertainty increases the risk of errors during aircraft relocation and landing or during supply drops.
Personnel need to make critical decisions under time pressure, often in complex settings where conventional monitoring tools are not available. Mission security, efficiency and success under these conditions all require accurate and timely environmental data.
Our solution
The S2-D drop sonde offers the ideal solution to these challenges by providing precise meteorological data without any need for teams on the ground. The probe is dropped from an aircraft while it records and transmits important weather information in real time. Its rugged design ensures reliable performance in challenging conditions, while LoRa communication makes it possible for crews to receive data even in remote areas. Once provided with accurate atmospheric readings, operators can calculate optimal deployment and drop conditions, reducing uncertainty and enhancing security. This makes the S2-D a highly effective tool for deployment planning in settings where traditional monitoring is not possible.
Security: The system operates in approved ISM bands (400–440 MHz) or temporarily authorised military frequencies and uses low transmission power for reduced detectability. LoRa modulation and AES-128 encryption are used for enhanced communication security.
Features and benefits
Features
- Total system weight incl. portable case: just 3 kg
- Meets STANAG 4082 and STANAG 4140 requirements
- Cut-down and delete functions secure sensitive data (encryption keys, GPS data)
- Multiple sonde drops supported
- Internal battery for the ground station (up to 15 h)
- Developed in accordance with EN 302 054, the harmonised European standard for meteorological aids
- Sonde weight < 34 g
- Range >100 km (LoS)
- Adjustable drop speed
- GNSS receiver (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou)
Benefits
- No ground personnel required
- Provides accurate weather data in remote and challenging environments
- Supports fast, secure decision-making under time pressure
- Protects data from interception
- Extremely lightweight and easy to transport for flexible deployment
- Long communication range ensures reliable data transfer
- Suitable for artillery, airborne, and special operations forces
- Meets military and meteorological standards for high reliability
- All relevant meteorological data formats available: MET-CM, MET-3B, .temp, Wind-Layers, etc.
- CE-certified