More info on Pilot-Balloon (PIBAL) weather theodolites
That is a first-rate post. Thanks very much for the further information.
More info on Pilot-Balloon (PIBAL) weather theodolites
Also, continuing my comments; the use of dual-theodolites for balloon observations was not standard practice for weather stations or US Military artillery operations- the accuracy of a singe-theodolite w/ standard balloon ascent tables was sufficient.
Dual-theodolite observations were used, however for precise vertical-altitude wind profiles of the atmosphere, predominantly at the various test ranges where more precise data was needed for determining the initial ballistic tables for various ordnance. (Aberdeen Proving Grounds, White Sands Missile Range, Cape Canaveral, Edwards AFB, Vandenberg, Kwajalein, etc.
There were also derivative theodolites, with multiple dual/triple installations manually operated/ manually observed which were equipped with film-based recorders (photo-theodolites or cine-theodolites) used for high-speed missile tests.
The film based version is PH-DD-33,
These eventually evoloved into the high-speed, recording and tracking theodolites (first film, now electronic) made by Askania and now Contraves - their latest version is named EOTS (Electro-Optical Tracking System )
Some additional thoughts; the Weather field was one of the first fields in the US military to be opened to women (outside of the hospital and admin/ clerical units)... and at least in the Air Force, the weather career field required ASVAB scores in the top 95th percentile to enter- hence the majority of images from these time periods realistically show women in the role of observers. (the Air Force performed all weather support for both Air Force and the Army after the Air Force gained independence from the Army in 1948). The Navy kept their own indigenous meteorological support for Navy and Marines, in the form of the Fleet Aerography Corp- they also had to support oceanography requirements as well.
US Navy WAVES Aerographer Mates (1 Recorder, 1 Observer) with a pibal balloon theodolite- for the record they're using a a closed-circle Pibal theodolite, the Gurley Aero-1930-USN, see:
Gurley Pibal Theodolite
Even after other fields had been opened to women, the photo-journalism of the day still liked to feature women with theodolites- possibly as a way (corresponding to the Mad-Men TV show era view of advertising) showing both a woman and a realistic high-tech instrument... just like the Hi-Fi Stereo magazines used back in the 1970's... (Pioneer, Kenwood- I'm looking at you.... )
More info on Pilot-Balloon (PIBAL) weather theodolites
Great info Nathan - thanks. And FYI, I have one by Gurley as well as a couple others by White.
More info on Pilot-Balloon (PIBAL) weather theodolites
Thank you very much for sharing this detailed information,
great post!
Christof.
More info on Pilot-Balloon (PIBAL) weather theodolites
Also,thank you for the great post.I enjoyed learning something new today.