Vintage Government relic: Weather Radiosonde Dropsonde, Science Project, prop

Description

This vintage radiosonde measures about 20 inches long and 4 inches wide. Includes a variety of sensors, calibration data and 4 foot parachute. It was built in 1960.
THERE IS NO BALLOON. THERE IS NO BATTERY.
This device is more precisely known as a dropsonde. Although similar to the radiosondes used in weather balloons (which collect measurements as they travel up), this particular unit is designed to be dropped from planes (often in the vicinity of hurricanes) such that they collect measurements as they descend.
Note that the humidity element is sealed in plastic with desiccant and presumably would work just fine.
Bottom 1/3 of unit contains the electrical boards and is easily disassembled. Middle third of unit allows space to hold the battery and is also easily opened by straightening the tabs. Top 1/3 of unit contains the tiny parachute which then pulls out the large 4 foot parachute. Pulling pin at the top starts an analog timer which can be heard spinning for maybe 5 seconds or so. After timer is up the top 1/3 unlocks allowing the parachute to compartment to open.
This device is an educational curio. It cold be a really fun science project, especially if its just presented to a group or science club with no clues (definitely do not show them this description). A model rocket club would be an especially good fit.
First they need to guess what it is.
Then they need to guess the components such a machine would need to accomplish its task.
Then an instructor might point to all the different parts to show how it all works together.
For challenging bonus points, a team is to identify each of the sensors on this unit and infer how the mechanics would work to accomplish this task (measurement of temp, humidity, pressure and send radio signals and finally the automated parachute deployment).
Learn about basic electronics, mechanics and weather science.