Confirming atmospheric processes and structures as predicted by own forecasts using soaring flights
Main objective of Organisation Scientifique et Technique Internationale du Vol à Voile (OSTIV) is the promotion and coordination on an international level of sciences and technologies related to soaring flight, in particular the use and operation of sailplanes in research. OSTIV is a member of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale ( FAI ) and considers itself an innovative force in promoting air sports
The Mountain Wave Project (MWP) - a project of the scientific and meteorological panel of OSTIV, was conceived during an OSTIV seminar 1998 in Serres/France by René Heise and Klaus Ohlmann and attracted several enthusiastic scientists/pilots since.
Joachim Kuettner, Atmospheric Researcher
"...curiosity and joy of adventure.
If you can preserve these two wonderful afflictions through your life, you will never be able to stop exploring the atmosphere." born 1909 and still exploring
Ulf Merbold, Astronaut, January 2003
" Turbulence in rotor systems - like riding a mustang in a rodeo..."
Focal point of the ongoing and planned activities of the meteorologcal section is the Mountain Wave Project (MWP). Its ambitious goal is the global classification and analysis of mountain waves and their associated rotor bands
Results and know-how gained from these studies are not only being applied to the planning and execution of record flights, but also incorporated into methods and procedures of general aviation weather briefings as well as into the relevant stages of pilot training.
- Detection and determination of physical processes in the atmosphere, as well as their associated synoptic characteristics, which play a dominant role in the generation and development of mountain waves
- Investigation of rotor bands, determination of their location, spatial extension and classification of concomitant turbulence
- High resolution measurement of relevant meteorological variables (eg, potential temperature, turbulence parameters, vertical and horizontal wind, humidity...)
- Visualisation of the regions of turbulence (system Rotor-Wave) in a Geographical Information System (GIS)
- Development of forecast tools in connection with weather models. Verification of mesoscale forecast models and adjustment of the applied parametrisations
- Application of the acquired data and scientific results to pilot training, in particular to the design of training missions and simulator sessions, as well as, to air traffic route planning
A major effort towards the goal of a global classification of mountain waves has been launched in October í99, when a highly competent team of experienced mountain pilots and scientists collected data on the wave systems in the Andes. San Martin de los Andes in Argentina was chosen to be base camp for the flying operations. In addition to several transsections flown in the wave systems, a number of successful world record attempts has been completed. The most spectacular results of the MWP activities was achieved a year later, when K. Ohlmann set a world distance record of 2.464km in the lee of the Andes. He had extend this world-record on january 2003 with an incredible distance of 3.008,8 k. See also last world record 2010...
FAI WR Free Distance 12/01/2010
OSTIV-Award: " 2.000km Dr. Joachim Kuettner Prize "
Second Awardee of "Lilienthal- Prize "
European Meteorological Society - Media Award 2011
May 2011 - Finalist of the SPACE MEDICINE ASSOCIATION JEFF
MYERS YOUNG INVESTIGATOR AWARD (AsMA-News 2011; p. 853)
