Overview
The Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) program was a joint effort between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) to deploy a network of high-grade weather monitoring stations across the United States. In 1991, Systems Management Inc. (now All Weather Inc.) was awarded the $250MM program to develop and deploy these systems. As a result of this program, roughly 1,000 ASOS weather stations were installed and commissioned throughout the country.
Product Details & Features
The ASOS sensor configuration includes:
- Wind Speed & Direction
- Altimeter
- Relative Humidity/Dew Point
- Air Temperature
- Precipitation Type & Amount
- Visibility
- Cloud Height & Density
- Lightning Detection
The ASOS collects data from the suite of high-accuracy sensors and disseminates the information to both a local display to various authorized networks. Through the built-in interface, the ASOS delivers certified weather data to Air Traffic Control towers, FAA systems, and NWS systems once every 60 seconds. Made widely available through these networks, ASOS data is used for flight planning, in-flight safety, advisory systems, and is made available to local media outlets.
Current weather information is also broadcast from the ASOS for immediate, current information. A computer-generated voice provides the information directly to aircraft in the vicinity using VHF ground-to-air radio, or by appending the existing ATIS broadcast. This verbal account of ASOS data is also available via telephone with a dedicated land-line for each system.
Deployments
Throughout the 1990's there were 569 ASOS sites sponsored by the FAA, and 313 ASOS sites sponsored by the NWS. These sites are strategically spread throughout the country to complete a comprehensive and extensive network of weather information. All Weather Inc. is proud to have pioneered this program and successfully completed all of the initial ASOS installations.
Program Management
Systems Management Inc. (now All Weather Inc.) managed the ASOS program from inception to close, ensuring that all FAA, NWS, and DOD requirements were met. With a highly experienced team, All Weather Inc. was responsible for product design and development, manufacturing, civil work, and installation/commissioning of all ASOS systems. The ASOS program is just one of many examples that display AWI's ability to deliver high-quality products and services on a large scale.
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