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Local Rapid Evaluation of Atmospheric Conditions System

The Local Rapid Evaluation of Atmospheric Conditions (L-REAC) System was a computerized weather sensor system designed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) that became operational in 2011.[1]

Purpose

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The system was designed to warn soldiers and civilians of airborne threats, such as chemical attacks or toxic spills.[2] The purpose of L-REAC was to provide wind monitoring and modeling,[3] which acted as a decision aid for soldiers facing environmental hazards.[2]

History

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A research meteorologist at ARL developed the first L-REAC prototype.[4] After conducting a survey of commercially available technology from 2003–2007, ARL identified a need for a local atmospheric assessment system. Three studies conducted at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, in the early 2000s revealed a requirement for emergency first responders to have up-to-date atmospheric information on local conditions.[1]

During the mid 2000s, it was also reported that U.S. Army soldiers stationed in Iraq were experiencing toxic fumes while working near burn pits.[5] The L-REAC concept was produced from 2009-2011 at White Sands Missile Range as part of a study investigating the airflow around an urban building and small building clusters.[2]

In June 2017, ARL licensed the technology to Diamond B Technology Solutions in Billings, Montana.[4][6] Rebranded as LR-x, the system assisted in tracking environmental emergencies, such as wildfire smoke during fire suppression efforts.[7]

Operation

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The L-REAC provided 3D weather models that generated wind field and plume outputs, displaying near real-time meteorological data on a map background.[2]  The models included terrain and buildings, and displayed danger zones and weather conditions (i.e. wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and relative humidity).[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Local-Rapid Evaluation of Atmospheric Conditions (L-REAC™) System, Design and Development Volume 3 ("Operational L-REAC™")" (PDF).
  2. ^ a b c d "Local-Rapid Evaluation of Atmospheric Conditions (L-REAC®) System, Design and Development Volume 5 (Mobile L-REAC® System "Proof of Concept" and Four Feasibility Studies)" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on May 2, 2017.
  3. ^ "Gas 'Plume' Detection System to Protect Soldiers, First Responders". Retrieved 2018-08-28.
  4. ^ a b "Inspired by burn pits, real-time atmospheric monitoring and modeling could save lives | TechLink". TechLink Center. 2017-06-21. Retrieved 2018-08-28.
  5. ^ Gail, Vaucher (2013-01-10). "Saving Lives with L-REAC®, an Airborne Health-Hazard Decision Aid". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. ^ "Defense TechLink - TechLink | Montana State University". www.montana.edu. Retrieved 2018-08-28.
  7. ^ a b "LR-x - DBTS | Diamond B Technology Solutions". DBTS | Diamond B Technology Solutions. Retrieved 2018-08-28.
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