The 2D-Video-Distrometer (2DVD) is a ground-based point-monitoring precipitation gauge. From each particle reaching the measuring area front and side contours as well as fall velocity and precise time stamp are recorded. In 1991 the 2DVD development has been started to clarify discrepancies found when comparing weather radar data analyses with literature models. Then being manufactured in a small scale series the first 2DVD delivery took place in 1996, 10 years back from now. An overview on present 2DVD features is given, and it is presented how the instrument was continuously improved in the past ten years. Scientific merits of 2DVD measurements are explained, including drop size readings without upper limit, drop shape and orientation angle information, contours of solid and melting particles, and an independent measurement of particles' fall velocity also in mixed phase events. Plans for a next generation instrument are described, by enhanced user-friendliness the unique data type shall be opened to a wider user community.

Raindrop shapes and fall velocities measured by 2-dimensional video disdrometer are presented for 2 high-wind/turbulent events. The shapes were reconstructed using a relatively new technique. 10 m height wind sensor data are used to derive proxy-indicators for turbulent intensities. Our results show strong gusts, directional wind shifts (i.e. shear) and/or inferred high turbulence intensity are correlated with reduced fall speeds, reaching values ∼25 %–30 % less than the expected values, i.e. sub-terminal fall speeds. Significant percentage (20 %–35 %) of asymmetric drops (> 2 mm) deviating from the most probable axisymmetric shapes were also detected for some events with high turbulent intensities.

The two-dimensional video distrometer (2DVD) is a well known ground based point-monitoring precipitation gauge, often used as a ground truth instrument to validate radar or satellite rainfall retrieval algorithms. This instrument records a number of variables for each detected hydrometeor, including the detected position within the sample area of the instrument. Careful analyses of real 2DVD data reveal an artifact—there are time periods where hydrometeor detections within parts of the sample area are artificially enhanced or diminished. Here, we (i) illustrate this anomaly with an exemplary 2DVD data set, (ii) describe the origin of this anomaly, (iii) develop and present an algorithm to help flag data potentially partially corrupted by this anomaly, and (iv) explore the prevalence and quantitative impact of this anomaly. Although the anomaly is seen in every major rain event studied and by every 2DVD the authors have examined, the anomaly artificially induces less than 3% of all detected drops and typically alters estimates of rain rates and accumulations by less than 2%.

Tropical storm Nate, which was a powerful hurricane prior to landfall along the US Gulf coast, traversed north and weakened considerably to a tropical depression as it moved near an instrumented site in Hunstville, AL. The outer rain bands lasted 18 h (03:00 to 21:00 UTC on 08 October 2017) and a 2D-video disdrometer (2DVD) captured the event which was shallow at times and indicative of pure warm rain processes. The 2DVD measurements are used for 3D reconstruction of drop shapes (including the rotationally asymmetric drops) and the drop-by-drop scattering matrix has been computed using Computer Simulation Technology integral equation solver for drop sizes >2.5 mm. From the scattering matrix elements, the polarimetric radar observables are simulated by integrating over 1 min consecutive segments of the event. These simulated values are compared with dual-polarized C-band radar data located at 15 km range from the 2DVD site to evaluate the contribution of the asymmetric drop shapes, specifically to differential reflectivity. The drop fall velocities and drop horizontal velocities in terms of magnitude and direction, all being derived from each drop image from two orthogonal cameras of the 2DVD, are also considered.

GNSS-based navigation is commonly used in aircraft as a source of localization. As reports of pilots about jamming during flights are becoming more frequent, we performed jamming tests with a parked passenger aircraft to assess the criticality of jamming events. We observed the reaction of the aircraft GPS position display in the cockpit and the ADS-B availability during jamming. We analyzed the relative power levels at which the GPS-receivers and the ADS-B broadcasting show negative effects. Beyond other factors, we observed significantly long recovery times for the GPS position display and the ADS-B system. The results give unique detailed facts about the vulnerability of one type of commercial passenger aircraft and emphasize how important it is to raise awareness of this vulnerability in aviation.