Hawkeye combination cloud spectrometer probe

Tender description

This purchase was for a bespoke instrument from the MLU-P-066 "Ice microphysics" proposal, specifically a "Hawkeye" combination cloud 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 several complementary state-of-the-art instruments, these bespoke instruments are already: fully developed; installed/ certified/ tested and have flown on world leading research aircraft in Europe and the USA. The "Hawkeye" combination cloud probe combines four cloud spectrometer probes into one single unique instrument, needing only one mounting position on an aircraft pylon, freeing up valuable mounting space. Hawkeye is a bespoke cloud probe that was developed to fly initially on the pilotless US Global Hawk platform at high altitude. Hawkeye consists of four separate cloud spectrometers, measuring cloud particles over four size ranges. With the degree of development and complexity required for the science needed, this supplier is the only one capable of providing a combination instrument of this specification. The route to installation and certification of the instrument on the FAAM aircraft will also benefit from the Hawkeye's proven track record of installation and certification on other world leading research aircraft across Europe and the USA, and through its direct compatibility with existing instrumentation already installed, certified and flown on the FAAM aircraft. 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.