CARIBIC: Max Planck Institute for Chemistry uses probe manufactured by HEGGEMANN aerospace to conduct atmospheric research using civil aircraft

HEGGEMANN aerospace, based in Büren in East Westphalia, has produced a probe to carry out international atmospheric research based on civil aircraft. The project has been organised by the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz in collaboration with Lufthansa and a range of other i nstitutes and companies from Germany, Sweden, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and France. It is designed to research which gases and substances reach the upper atmosphere, an area of huge significance for our climate, and how the composition of this air layer changes at an altitude of ten to twelve kilometres.

When the scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz speak of their interest in ‘CARIBIC’, it may sound as if they are referring to an obscure Caribbean island. In fact, however, they are referring to the gases and dust particles in the Earth’s atmosphere that they wish to measure.

‘CARIBIC’ is the abbreviation for a scientific project (‘ Civil Aircraft for the Regular Investigation of the atmosphere Based on an Instrument Container’) whose underlying philosophy is to use passenger aircraft to carry out atmospheric observations . The aim of the atmospheric researchers is to build a detailed understanding of the chemical and physical processes occurring in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, and to predict future changes and dangers more effectively. In this way, the CARIBIC project can provide extremely valuable data about the development of the holes in the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect. Until now, there have been almost no data worldwide about the composition of the air layer at an altitude of approximately ten to twelve kilometres, despite its fundamental importance for our climate.

Every week, thousands of aircraft travel across the continents, covering millions of kilometres in this air layer as they do so. For the scientists of the Max Planck Institute, led by Project Coordinator Dr. Carl Brenninkmeijer, it seemed clear that at least a proportion of these flights should be used to measure levels of ozone, nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide, greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and numerous other gases and aerosols. Such a cost-effective a nd environmentally-friendly means of gathering measurement data worldwide eventually became possible thanks to the support of Deutsche Lufthansa: from summer 2004 onwards, one of the new Lufthansa Airbus A340-600 passenger aircraft to be used on long-haul a nd intercontinental flights will be equipped with the requisite measurement systems . A complex and stable air inlet system, around 30 centimetres in length and equipped with probes, is mounted beneath the underside of the aircraft. This collects the air to be tested and channels it to the various pieces of measuring equipment situated in a normal air freight container in the forward cargo bay of the Airbus. It is here that the tests are precisely analysed. The air inlet manufactured by HEGGEMANN Aerospace AG for the Airbus A340-600 from its base in Büren in the East Westphalia region of Germany is a sophisticated and highly precise aerodynamic system. It consists of a number of probes designed to take in air from outside the boundary layer of the aircraft in order to prevent possible contamination by the exterior of the aircraft. By incorporating its extensive development knowhow into the planning of the probe, HEGGEMANN aerospace has proved its high level of practical competence. The CARIBIC project allows scientists to conduct research on a regular basis that has never before been possible anywhere in the world, making an invaluable contribution to the protection of our environment. The project is an impressive example of seminal collaboration between the worlds of industry and science. In addition to the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, the Institute for Tropospheric Research in Leipzig, the Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research of the Forschungszentrums Karlsruhe and the Institut der Physik der Atmosphäre of the German Aerospace Center are all participants in the development of the CARIBIC project.

For the atmospheric researchers, the atmosphere resembles a vast chemical reactor. Although a multitude of gases and dust particles produced by industry, transport, heating and natural emissions are injected into this ‘reactor’, the majority of the gases are gradually photochemically decomposed by sunlight. With the help of the measurements, it is possible to gauge how and where human activity changes essential natural equilibria in the wider atmosphere.

HEGGEMANN aerospace AG has made a name for itself as a development partner and series provider of high-value components for the aerospace industry, motor sport and with most major automobile manufacturers. The company’s unmatched flexibility and unique combination of high technology and solid handiwork have ensured lasting commercial success. HEGGEMANN aerospace AG employs around 150 people, and aims to provide its customers with rapid, tailor-made solutions to deliver series of unparalleled quality. The resultant synergy effects are consistently used in the various business divisions of HEGGEMANN aerospace AG. The company employs production techniques and materials in motor sport and the automotive sector that were once limited to aviation.

Further information from:

HEGGEMANN aerospace AG
Zeppelinring 2-6, 33142 Büren
Fon: 02955-7610-0
Fax: 02955-7610-10
Email: aerospace@heggemann.com
Internet: www.heggemann.com, www.caribic-atmospheric.com

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