The location of a tropical cyclone by aircraft reconnaissance

A tropical cyclone, developing in the Coral Sea on 27 February 1960, moved away from shipping and its position became uncertain. A R.A.A.F. aircraft, equipped for photography, voluntarily located its centre and made observations and obtained photographs of its centre. Cirrus was found near and above the centre at 35,000 ft to 45,000 ft. Photographs of the centre were taken from a height of 30, 000 ft. The southern wall of L Cu bounding the eye reached 35,000 ft while L Cu on the northern side reached 15,000 ft and showed undulations (probably spiral bands). The photographs show the central region of the storm as an enormous spiral. The cloud crater was shallow and measured about 35 miles from wall to wall. A ground plan sketch of the eye structure by the aircrew is given showing two spiral arms of cloud converging together. An interpretation of the photographs and observations is given by the author who shows that it is similar to storms observed overseas. The spiral bands of cloud in the eye are not identical with the large convective bands associated with the precipitation pattern on the radar display. The synoptic development and movement of the cyclone is discussed. Its upper air structure and development and its intensification and weakening by operation of the Durst-Sutcliffe effect is discussed. It has been demonstrated that reconnaissance of tropical cyclones by operational aircraft is possible and is a practical means of locating cyclones.