The Visioceilometer and Its Tactical Applications.

Abstract : This thesis investigates the tactical applicability of the visioceilometer in terms of its ability to measure visual range and to identify the density level of its ability to measure visual range and to identify the density level of an obscurant. This is accomplished by analyzing test data obtained from Smoke Week VIII tests conducted at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Thirty smoke clouds from a total of seven obscurants are examined. The accuracy and consistency of agreement between the visioceilometer and the multispectral imagery digital acquisition system (MIDAS) measurements of visual range is examined. The visioceilometer and a human observer identification of the density level of an obscurant is compared to examine the agreement between the two. Keywords: Cloud ceiling height; Aircraft landings; Optically dependent weapon firings; Atmospheric extinction; Rotating beam ceilometer; theses.