The aircraft as delivered from the factory is provided with a number of areas intended for the installation of additional measuring equipment; this is one of the most unique and attractive qualities of this particular platform. The ECO-Dimona is provided as standard with the provision for underwing sensor pods, racking for equipment in the rear cabin, and space in the right hand side of the instrument panel for sensor monitoring and control equipment. The under-wing pods house most of our instrumentation and provide a very significant carrying capacity (approx 45 kg instrumentation per pod). The under-wing location is particularly useful for allowing remote sensing equipment a clear downward view, and for mounting turbulence probes away from the influence of the propeller. Find out more about our instrumentation Each pod has a basic internal metal framework, shown below painted black. We have built and certified an extension to this framework, painted yellow in the image below. Because this extended framework is now certified and of known strength etc, it greatly simplifies the mounting options and certification process for additional instrumentation. We retain the option of removing this extension if required. The racking in the rear cabin, capable of carrying up to 30kg of equipment, provides the basis for large part of our Central Services Module, which supports the scientific sensors with power, signal, network and air sample distribution, as well as system logging, monitoringa nd control. There is additional space and weight capacity for additional sensor support equipment. The observer position (right hand seat) is equipped with a cut-out area and equipment shelf rated to 13 kg of equipment. We utilise this space for the HMI elements of the Central Services Module, collectively known as the Front Science Panel. This comprises a daylight readable screen with custom built multi-function display functionallity to allow the observer to monitor the progress of the flight and interface with the the scientific systems, a keyboard, and a switch panel providing control of power to ceratin parts of the science system data marking functions. Also embedded in this area are data-logging and microcontroller systems. Find out more about the Central Services Module Image The observer's instrument panel area prior to installation of the 2019 Front Science Panel. Image Under-wing pod of the ECO-Dimona. Each pod is rated to a maximum of 55kg (Including the pod structure itself). Image The rear cabin space of the ECO-Dimona. Rails rated to 30 kg provide mounting options for additional equipment (subject to approvals), and the 28 VDC system outlets provide power. Components of the Central Services Module, providing power and signal distribution, are shown installed. Image The observer position with the 2109 Front Science Panel installed. This article was published on 2024-06-25
