The paper describes the Airborne Research Data System (ARDS) and presents an evaluation of meteorological data recorded by it while installed aboard a United States navy LC130R aircraft flown by the Antarctic Development Squadron Six (VXE-6), in support of the National Science Foundation's research programs in Antarctica. The evaluation consists of a comparison of wind, temperature and moisture data, collected on four flight missions during the period 8-12 November 1977, with similar data from Antarctic and New Zealand rawinsonde observations, as well as 50 kPa analyses from both Fleet Numerical Meteorological Center, Monterey, California and the National Meteorological Center, Washington, D.C. The results demonstrate some of the capabilities and limitations of the ARDS in logging meteorological data for operational as well as scientific research. Recommendations for improving the credibility of the sensed parameter date are included.