Supporting Atmospheric Science At The Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre With SlotPro.

Background

The University of Canterbury continues to push the boundaries of environmental science, leading international research focused on atmospheric measurement and climate study. Based in Christchurch, the university’s teams collaborate across global research networks, including projects supporting the HALO high-altitude research aircraft.

For their recent deployment at the new Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre, the University of Canterbury used SlotPro aluminium extrusion to construct a multi-purpose platform designed to host a suite of precision instruments. The platform supports a cloud radar, laser cloud height (ceilometer), laser rain-gauge, and microwave rain radar, enabling ground-based data collection to compare with high-altitude measurements from the HALO aircraft.

The Challenge

The project required a stable and adaptable platform to support multiple high-precision instruments operating outdoors at the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre. Each sensor had unique mounting and alignment needs, so the structure needed to allow for fine adjustment and secure positioning while maintaining overall rigidity. Durability, rigidity, and protection of instruments from vibration and movement were essential to ensure accurate and repeatable data collection.

The Build

The University of Canterbury team used SlotPro aluminium extrusion to construct a robust, modular frame capable of supporting several atmospheric research instruments in precise alignment. The flexibility of the T-slot system made it easy to integrate multiple components within one structure, including the cloud radar, ceilometer, laser rain-gauge, and microwave rain radar.

Using SlotPro profiles, the team created a strong yet adaptable platform that can be refined and expanded as the research continues. The clean assembly process and compatibility of fittings enabled an efficient setup at the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre, providing a stable foundation for ongoing atmospheric measurements supporting the HALO research aircraft campaign.

The Result

The multi-instrument platform is now in use at the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre, contributing valuable data to an international research campaign. Its strength, precision, and modular design have enabled the University of Canterbury team to configure instruments efficiently and maintain stability under changing conditions. As the campaign continues, the SlotPro aluminium extrusion framework provides a reliable foundation for atmospheric science research and future measurement programs.