Airborne Laboratory for Gravity Field Research

Abstract

Modern methods of studying the Earth’s gravity field on a mobile base are discussed, among them aerogravimetric research. The features of creating a highly autonomous airborne gravimetric laboratory with a long flight duration for operations in remote territories and waters are described. The experience of creating an airborne laboratory based on AN-30D and AN-26BL aircraft is discussed in detail. The makeup of gravimetric and navigation equipment is substantiated; the need for installing additional thermal and vibration protection devices, backup power lines, and additional communication facilities is shown; and the device and operation of airborne gravimetric systems based on different principles of operation are considered. The aerogravimetric survey method and features of its implementation are discussed. The main provisions of the software packages for in situ and office processing of gravimetric and navigation information obtained both on board the aircraft and at GPS or GLONASS base (ground) stations are presented. Methods for taking into account corrections for aerogravimetric systems with different operating principles are discussed.