Cloud Particle Habit Imaging and Polar Scattering probe (PHIPS)

Tender description

This purchase was for a bespoke instrument from the MLU-P-066 "Ice microphysics" proposal, specifically a "PHIPS" (Particle Habit Imaging and Polar Scattering) probe, which has been endorsed by the FAAM (Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements), Cloud Instrument Working Group (CIWG) which are a panel of experts in the science of cloud microphysics measurement and instrumentation using research aircraft. Lot 1: The "Ice Microphysics" proposal is to install a suite of complementary state-of-the-art instruments to the aircraft. These bespoke instruments are already: fully developed; installed/certified/tested and have flown on world leading research aircraft in Europe and the USA. The PHIPS integrates two powerful sensors into one probe: a 20 channel polar nephelometer and a stereo CCD imager covering an adjustable particle size range that is unique to this instrument. Over the last decade PHIPS has undergone a programme of rigorous testing and development, and has been installed and operated on a number of research aircraft in Europe and North America. It is a bespoke instrument, and the supplier is the only one capable of providing an instrument of this specification. The route to installation and certification of the instrument on the FAAM aircraft will also be significantly benefited by the PHIPS existing and proven track record of installation and certification on other world leading research aircraft. As no other single instrument exists with proven aircraft certification, we will be purchasing this cloud probe. Such an award is on the grounds that the University believes competition is absent for technical reasons as there is no comparable solutions to be found.