A sensitive instrument for measuring the temperature gradient in convective air from a sailplane

Abstract

The common method for the glider pilot to acquire definite information about the location and magnitude of rising air currents is to take recourse to a trial-and-error method and to observe the variometer.  The direct correlation between the vertical velocity of the air and its excess temperature over the environment is convection currents, i. e. thermals, makes it particularly attractive to consider technical means of gaining information about such upcurrents from a distance....Another, although inherently a more restricted method of obtaining useful information about the position of thermals in relation to the glider, would be  to measure the temperature difference in  the air between the wingtips.....Final conclusions of the value of the instrument can be drawn only after an extensive period of tests carried out in different conditions and be different individuals........