202324 4118 - Radiometer Blister Development Specification for the FAAM Airborne Laboratory

The FAAM Airborne Laboratory is undergoing a Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) project to safeguard the UK's airborne atmospheric research capability, provide frontier science capability and reduce our environmental impact. The facility is part of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of Leeds and funded by UKRI-Natural Environment Research Candidate (NERC). The Large Radiometer Blister (LRB) is an equipment bay outside the aircraft's pressure hull that provides the ability to mount both upwards and downwards viewing remote sensing equipment. It has been installed on the aircraft since the original conversion in 2004 and serves as a key part of the facility's infrastructure. As part of the MLU, FAAM is intending on developing the infrastructure of the blister to be able to accommodate both known and potential future instrument capabilities, including provisioning of improved services and structural reinforcement to enable operation of new capabilities. FAAM/University of Leeds is seeking organisations with the required Part 21 J Design Organisation Approvals/ BCARS A8-21 to be able to undertake the modifications and associated approvals.