Global real-time dose measurements using the Automated Radiation Measurements for Aerospace Safety (ARMAS) system

ARMAS transmits real-time data to the ground and provides quality, tissue-relevant ambient dose equivalent rates with 5min latency for dose rates on 213 flights up to 17.3km (56,700ft). We show five cases from different aircraft; the source particles are dominated by galactic cosmic rays but include particle fluxes for minor radiation periods and geomagnetically disturbed conditions.

The measurements from 2013 to 2016 do not cover a period of time to quantify galactic cosmic rays' dependence on solar cycle variation and their effect on aviation radiation. However, we report on small radiation clouds in specific magnetic latitude regions and note that active geomagnetic, variable space weather conditions may sufficiently modify the magnetospheric magnetic field that can enhance the radiation environment, particularly at high altitudes and middle to high latitudes.