Drone swarm technology used for first time in typhoon observation in China

China's meteorological service has used drone swarm technology for typhoon observation for the first time in the country's history. The method was applied during the impact of the "Hongxia" typhoon, collecting high-frequency, multi-dimensional data throughout its landfall.

The trials were conducted at the China Meteorological Administration's field scientific experiment base for low-altitude economy unmanned aviation on the Dapeng Peninsula in Shenzhen. The system captured real-time vertical profile data of key meteorological parameters like low-altitude temperature, humidity, wind fields, and turbulence before and after the typhoon's passage. It also recorded operational parameters such as the drones' flight attitude and power consumption.

Unlike traditional single drones, swarm technology involves multiple drones carrying meteorological payloads that act as a coordinated array. They conduct synchronized atmospheric element detection at multiple points and layers within the airspace. This enables high-density sampling in a three-dimensional space, compensating for the limitations of single-point detection and addressing observational gaps at low altitudes near the coast.

This new approach provides critical real-world data to enhance typhoon monitoring and forecasting capabilities. It also accumulates scientific data to explore the boundaries for safe drone flight operations under extreme weather conditions, aiming to improve observational coverage in near-shore low-altitude areas.