Hail suppression activities using TETRA-based sensor network

Purpose This paper aims to show the implementation in the terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA)-based sensor network. The publicly available data show that, in Serbia, the annual damage caused by hailstorms in the past seven years has been estimated almost at an average level of 40m of euros. As the amount of hail was not changed, the hail suppression system of the Republic of Serbia has to be improved, both technically and organizationally, to get better efficiency and protection and to reduce the damage. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the authors show the implementation and improvements in the modern terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA)-based sensor network, and they propose the scientific use of sensors for remote control of automatic hail suppression rocket stations. Findings The authors’ idea is that TETRA should be used as an operational and official telecommunicating system for hail suppression activities units. A number of sensors, connected in a network, are used to maintain a high-quality functioning of this digital radio system, managed remotely and controlled either by operators or automatically. Originality/value The presented study with a real example attempts to explain as to how the system functions and how it can improve hail suppression activities.