First joint observation of tropical cyclone in Hong Kong air space using dual aircraft

The Hong Kong Observatory, in collaboration with the Shanghai Typhoon Institute of the China Meteorological Administration and the Asia-Pacific Typhoon Collaborative Research Centre, conducted a joint aircraft reconnaissance operation on 26 October 2024 for Severe Tropical Storm Trami over the central northern part of the South China Sea. During this collaborative observation, the Observatory utilized the dropsonde equipment installed on a fixed-wing aircraft of the Hong Kong Government Flying Service, while the Shanghai Typhoon Institute deployed a "King Air" aircraft equipped with multiple meteorological instruments. The two aircraft carried out the mission within the Hong Kong Flight Information Region respectively by deploying dropsondes and conducting observation with the equipment onboard. This marks the first ever successful joint observation of a tropical cyclone using multiple aircraft platforms in the same airspace of the South China Sea in history.

Tropical cyclones in autumn are known to have significant uncertainties in both their tracks and intensity. More meteorological data can be collected from this type of joint observation and provide useful references to weather forecasters. In the future, the Observatory will continue to strengthen the cooperation with the China Meteorological Administration to enhance monitoring capabilities for tropical cyclones and ensure public safety.

Figure 1: Challenger 605 aircraft of the Hong Kong Government Flying Service.


Figure 2: King Air 350 aircraft used by the Shanghai Typhoon Institute.


Figure 3: Crew member of the Government Flying Service connecting the dropsonde for inspection and configuration of parameters before the mission.


Figure 4: Meteorological computing equipment onboard the King Air 350 aircraft.