A 35 GHz, pulsed-Doppler radar system has been designed and assembled for wake vortex detection and tracking in low visibility conditions. Aircraft wake vortices continue to be an important factor in determining safe following distances or spacings for aircraft in the terminal area. Currently, under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), aircraft adhere to conservative, fixed following-distance guidelines based primarily on aircraft weight classifications. When ambient conditions are such that vortices will either drift or dissipate, leaving the flight corridor clear, the prescribed spacings are unnecessarily long and result in decreased airport throughput. There is a potential for significant airport efficiency improvement, if a system can be employed to aid regulators and pilots in setting safe and efficient following distances based on airport conditions. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Aviation Agency, and Volpe National Transportation Systems Center have promoted and worked to develop systems that would increase airport capacity and provide for safe reductions in aircraft separation.
Wake Vortex Tracking Using a 35 GHz Pulsed Doppler Radar
2005
16 pages
Report
No indication
English
Aerodynamics , Infrared & Ultraviolet Detection , Meteorological Data Collection, Analysis, & Weather , Transportation Safety , Air Transportation , Aircraft wakes , Vortices , Tracking(Position) , Doppler radar , Commercial aircraft , Spacing , Line of sight , Radar detection , Optical radar , Air traffic control , Low visibility , Weather forecasting
Wake Vortex Tracking Using a 35 GHz Pulsed Doppler Radar
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