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National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, Report - Standard Atmosphere - Tables and Data

A full account of the research conducted by the United States Weather Bureau in laying
the foundation for a standard atmosphere is given in Mr. W. R. Gregg’s paper on “Standard
Atmosphere” (Reference 1). Briefly, the Weather Bureau found that the average annual
conditions for latitude 40° in the United States were closely represented by Tgussaint’s formula
for linear decrease in temperature.

where Tis the temperature in °C. at the altitude Z in meters. The maximum altitude at which
this formula can be applied 1s determined by the temperature of the isothermal atmosphere.
This point will be discussed later.

Toussaint’s formula not only fulfilled the requirements of simplicity and reasonable accuracy
but also had the advantage of being extensively used in Europe. It was therefore adopted by
the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics as the basis of a standard atmosphere for
aeronautical work 1n the United States.

In addition to the aerological observations which led to the recommendation and adoption
of a linear decrease in temperature with altitude, Report No. 147 contained brief tables of pres-
sures and densities in the standard atmosphere. These tables were not carried beyond an
altitude of 10, 000 meters or 33, 000 feet although provision was made for extension when required.
Subsequent general use has indicated the need of more detailed tables carried up to altitudes
of 20, 000 meters or 65, 000 feet. It 18 the purpose of this report to supply such tables together
with miscellaneous data on the standard atmosphere compiled in a form convenient for ready
reference.