Tutkimuslennon

Tutkimuslennon is the Finnish term for a research flight, a flight conducted primarily to collect scientific data, test instruments, or validate methods in an operational or experimental setting. The concept is used in aviation, meteorology, environmental science, and related fields to distinguish experimental activities in flight from ordinary transportation or commercial missions.

Typically, a tutkimuslennon is planned around a defined scientific objective, a detailed flight plan, and the necessary safety clearances and airspace permissions. Flights may be conducted with manned aircraft or unmanned aerial systems and can vary in altitude, duration, and geographic scope. They are often used to obtain in-situ measurements, calibrate remote sensing instruments, or validate models and algorithms.

Instruments and data collected during tutkimuslennot may include weather sensors, lidar and radar systems, radiometers, spectrometers, high-resolution cameras, and air or ground sampling devices. Data streams from these instruments support atmospheric studies, climate research, air quality monitoring, Earth observation, and aviation technology testing.

Planning and execution emphasize safety, data management, and collaboration. Research flights are typically conducted by universities, research institutes, or government agencies, frequently involving multidisciplinary teams and international cooperation. They contribute to scientific understanding and practical applications in weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and disaster response planning.

See also: aviation research, atmospheric science, unmanned aerial vehicle, sensor calibration.