Recently, a second version of the Particle Analysis by Laser Mass Spectrosc
opy (PALMS) instrument was constructed to fly in the nose of a WB-57F resea
rch aircraft, allowing it to make in-situ measurements of stratospheric aer
osols. We present here the technical aspects of the design and construction
of the PALMS aircraft instrument. These include the development of a robus
t and complex data acquisition and control software program, a stable optic
al system with in-flight correction, the mechanical packaging required for
in-flight operation, a shrouded inlet designed for optimal particle samplin
g, and custom and commercial electronics. We also present a brief review of
the performance of the PALMS instrument during its first deployment in the
WB-57F.