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

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

Tam Wing-sze

On 26 October 2024, 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, to monitor Severe Tropical Storm Trami over the central northern part of the South China Sea. The two aircraft – one from each of the Hong Kong Government Flying Service and the Shanghai Typhoon Institute – collected meteorological data using dropsondes and onboard equipment respectively.

This marks the first ever joint observations of a tropical cyclone using more than one aircraft platform in the same airspace of the South China Sea. Tropical cyclones in autumn are known to have significant uncertainties. More meteorological data can be collected through joint observations such as these, providing useful data for weather forecasters.

Challenger 605 aircraft of the Hong Kong Government Flying Service.

King Air 350 aircraft used by the Shanghai Typhoon Institute.

A crew member of the Government Flying Service connecting a dropsonde for inspection and configuration of parameters before the mission.

Meteorological computer equipment onboard the King Air 350 aircraft.