Luchtcirculaties

Luchtcirculaties are a type of high altitude research aircraft designed and built by the Royal Netherlands Air Force in the 1920s and 1930s. The name "luchtcirculaties" literally translates to "air currents" in Dutch. These aircraft were used to study the properties of air at high altitudes and to conduct meteorological research.

The luchtcirculaties were small biplanes designed for simplicity and ease of use. They were typically equipped with a single engine and a limited payload capacity. The aircraft were flown to high altitudes, often above 20,000 feet, where the pilots would conduct experiments and collect data on the air pressure, temperature, and other meteorological conditions.

The luchtcirculaties played an important role in the development of meteorology in the Netherlands. They allowed scientists to gather valuable data on the high-altitude atmosphere, which was crucial for understanding weather patterns and forecasting. The research conducted using these aircraft contributed significantly to the advancement of our understanding of the upper atmosphere.

Despite their importance, the luchtcirculaties were relatively simple aircraft and were not capable of reaching high speeds. They were typically flown slowly and steadily, with the goal of gathering accurate data rather than achieving high-performance flight. The luchtcirculaties were eventually replaced by more advanced research aircraft, but their legacy as pioneers in high-altitude research continues to be celebrated in the aviation community.