Mobile UAS Research Collaboratory (MURC)

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Mobile UAS Research Collaboratory (MURC) "The Mobile UAS Research Collaboratory (MURC) is a fully equipped, customized Sprinter van that serves as a self-contained field operations hub for MUSAS deployments. The MURC supports simultaneous operations multiple aircraft through onboard workstations, ruggedized server racks for high-performance field computing, and an electronically steerable antenna for communications with multiple aircraft. A deployable 50-foot mast instrumented with a complete meteorological station provides independent measurements of wind, pressure, temperature, and humidity, supporting UAS sensor calibrations in the field as well as siting assessments and sensor intercomparisons. Together, these capabilities make the MURC an essential asset for complex, multi-platform field campaigns requiring real-time data processing and monitoring of local atmospheric conditions.

MURC Specifications:Ìý

  • Electronically steerable antenna for communications to multiple aircraft
  • Ruggedized server racks for data storage and high-performance computing to run simulations and process data in the field
  • Operation stations for up to 6 aircraft simultaneously
  • A complete weather station for UAS PTH and wind sensor calibrations in the field.Ìý
MURC sprinter van with multiple UAS flying and weather station

Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý MURC deployed in the Colorado San Luis Valley supporting the LAPSE-RATE flight campaign.

Publications regarding the use of the MURC to evaluate UAS:

  • Barbieri, L.K., S.T. Kral, S.C.C. Bailey, A.E. Frazier, J.D. Jacob,D. Brus, P.B. Chilson, C. Crick, J. Elston, H. Foroutan, J. González-Rocha, B.R. Greene, M.I. Guzman, A.L. Houston, A. Islam,O. Kemppinen, E.A. Pillar-Little, J. Reuder, S.D. Ross, M. Sama, D.G. Schmale III, T.J. Schuyler, S. Smith, S. Waugh, A. Doddi, D. Lawrence, C. Dixon, S. Borenstein, and G. de Boer (2019): Intercomparison of small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) measurements for atmospheric science during the LAPSE-RATE campaign, Sensors, 19, 2179, ÌýÌý
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  • de Boer, G., B. Butterworth, J. Elston, A. Houston, E. Pillar-Little, B. Argrow, T. Bell, P. Chilson, C. Choate, B. Greene, A. Islam, R. Martz, M. Rhodes, D. Rico, M. Stachura, F. Lappin, S. Whyte, and M. Wilson:ÌýEvaluation and Intercomparison of Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Used for Atmospheric Research, Atmos. Ocean. Tech., 41, 127–145,Ìý
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MURC Interior facing forward