Aerial observatory capabilities of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility are operated by the ARM Aerial Facility (AAF). The AAF provides airborne measurements required to answer research questions proposed by scientists from around the world.

The AAF enhances surface-based ARM measurements by providing:

  • in situ measurements of aerosols, clouds, and trace gasses
  • sampling not possible using surface- or satellite-based techniques
  • measurements for validation of surface- or satellite-based techniques
  • context for and extension of surface-based measurements
  • measurements for testing and evaluating models.

AAF GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS BY FACILITY

Note: F = ARM Aerial Facility and S = Supplemental Facility

Bankhead National Forest, AL, USA; Long-term Mobile Facility

Facility Name Site Code Facility Code Elevation Lat/Lon Surface Type
ARM Aerial Facility (AAF) - Unmanned Aircraft Systems, ArcticShark BNF U2 Awaiting information

Cordoba, Argentina; Mobile Facility (CACTI)

Facility Name Site Code Facility Code Elevation Lat/Lon Surface Type
Cordoba, Argentina; Gulfstream 159 Aircraft
(Removed: 2019-04-30)
COR F1 424 m 33.092739 S
64.270004 W
(Google Map)

Eastern North Atlantic

Facility Name Site Code Facility Code Elevation Lat/Lon Surface Type
Eastern North Atlantic; Gulfstream 159 Aircraft
(Removed: 2018-02-19)
ENA F1 56 m 38.758300 N
27.083800 W
(Google Map)
Volcanic Soil

Eastern North Pacific Ocean; Mobile Facility (ACAPEX)

Facility Name Site Code Facility Code Elevation Lat/Lon Surface Type
ACAPEX; Gulfstream 159 Aircraft
(Removed: 2015-02-27)
ACX F1 590 m 38.679790 N
121.400590 W
(Google Map)

Manacapuru, Amazonas, Brazil; Mobile Facility (GOAMAZON)

Facility Name Site Code Facility Code Elevation Lat/Lon Surface Type
Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil; Gulfstream 159 Aircraft
(Removed: 2015-12-31)
MAO F1 28 m 3.038611 S
60.049703 W
(Google Map)
Awaiting information
Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil; AAF
(Removed: 2015-12-31)
MAO S3 72 m 3.038620 S
60.046540 W
(Google Map)
Tropical Forest

Oliktok Point, AK, USA; Long-term Mobile Facility

Facility Name Site Code Facility Code Elevation Lat/Lon Surface Type
Oliktok Point, Alaska; Gulfstream 159 Aircraft
(Removed: 2021-06-19)
OLI F1 2 m 70.496347 N
149.881568 W
(Google Map)
Tundra

Southern Great Plains

Facility Name Site Code Facility Code Elevation Lat/Lon Surface Type
Southern Great Plains; Gulfstream 159 Aircraft SGP F1 215 m 36.753980 N
96.009010 W
(Google Map)
Awaiting information
Cessna 206 Aircraft SGP F2 303 m 36.727585 N
97.101580 W
(Google Map)
Awaiting information
ARM Aerial Facility (AAF) - Unmanned Aircraft Systems, ArcticShark SGP U2 Awaiting information
ARM Aerial Facility (AAF) - Unmanned Aircraft Systems, TigerShark
(Removed: 2021-11-16)
SGP U3 Awaiting information