AIRBUS INDUSTRIE is close to completing in-flight analysis of the ozone layer in the first phase of a European Union (EU)-backed atmospheric research programme. Airbus, which is leading the project with France's Centre National de la Recherche Scientific (CNRS), hopes that the results of the project will be used by regulatory bodies, as the basis for future environmental impact assessments.
The Measurement of Ozone by Airbus In-Service Aircraft project was set up to measure the effects of ozone production on the troposphere, using Airbus A340-300s in airline service. Scientists hope to gain an understanding of how ozone formation in the troposphere is caused by exhaust emissions from aircraft.
The project is being conducted in parallel with the A340 Atmospheric Research Global Observation System study, which is investigating nitrogen oxide (Nox) emissions over the North Atlantic.
Source: Flight International
