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An automated rocket hail suppression system

M. Abshaev1, V. Stasenko2
1High Mountains Geophysical Institute, 2 Lenin ave., Nalchik, 360030, Russia.
Fax: +7-86622-50591
2Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, 12 Novovagan’kovsky str., Moscow, 123242 Russia.
Fax: +7-095-2539484

Abstract:

Hail prevention (severe storm suppression in fact) as part of Natural Disaster reduction activity is of great public and economic importance. The latest scientific and technical achievements of Russian rocket seeding technology are realised in an Operational Hail Protection and Research Program in the Province of Mendoza, Argentina. Digitised MRL-5 weather radars (X and S bands) operate under a Computer software control and allow the recording of storm data on CDs for further reviewing of the operations. Software calculates the seeding area, how many rockets should be launched for covering the seeding area, which launching sites are going to intervene in the action, as well as the azimuth angels for firing off the rockets. All these decisions could be adjusted by the operator, depending on his own experience and skill.