DROPWINDSONDES
A Dropwindsonde is an instrument package that contains a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor (hygrometer) and a GPS receiver that determines the position of the package in time and 3 dimensional space. Upon release, the dropwindsonde transmits data to the releasing aircraft (DC-8, WC-130, WP-3) where the data is collected and saved. When subsequently analysed, the resultant sounding yields temperature, dew point and wind speed observed by the instrument. [Source: NASA]
Profilers/Sounders