Amid an active tropical cyclone season since June, a research team from China's Zhejiang University has advanced typhoon forecasting by developing an unmanned sailing vehicle capable of entering the core of typhoons. The vessel has successfully collected valuable data, enhancing prediction accuracy and improving disaster prevention and mitigation systems.

Named Albatross, the vessel measures roughly 4.3 meters in length and is powered by wind. In June, it successfully entered the eye of Typhoon Wutip, the first of this year, where it collected original meteorological and ocean wave data, marking the first time in China that an unmanned marine vehicle has traversed the eye of a typhoon to conduct sea-air interface observations.

Following its initial success, an upgraded version equipped with cameras for recording entered the core parts of Typhoon Wipha.

Compared to the previous version, which only has basic sensors to monitor essential navigation factors, such as wind speed, direction and waves, the new generation is enhanced with additional sensors specifically designed for typhoon conditions, along with cameras at both the front and rear.

Li Peiliang, professor at Zhejiang University, told China Media Group that despite the existence of relatively mature monitoring techniques and forecasting models, even small initial data discrepancies at sea can lead to major deviations in typhoon predictions. Missing data in key areas can affect the accuracy of forecasting its path.

"The development and movement of typhoons are strongly influenced by the ocean interface," said Li. "If we can accurately cross typhoons to get the first-hand data on their trajectory and intensity changes, we can better understand their transformation mechanisms and make precise forecasting."

The team plans to make more upgrades in the vehicle and outfit it with additional environmental sensors to obtain more comprehensive meteorological and marine environmental data.

The vehicle will have the ability to dive up to 1,000 m, allowing it to get more data on air-sea exchanges and upper ocean layers, serving as a mobile survey vessel, said Li.

It is also expected to conduct global navigation trials along the westerly wind belt, progressively extending its marine observation reach and filling critical data gaps.