The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration have signed a memorandum of agreement calling for a joint 5-year, $24 million research project to develop technology for airborne wind-shear detection and avoidance. The most dangerous type of wind shear, the microburst, is a small intense downdraft which, upon striking the ground, spreads out into a circular vortex radiating in all directions. When encountered at low levels on approach or takeoff, the pilot usually has little time to react correctly to maintain the desired flight path or even react enough to survive. Between 1964 and 1985, there were at least 26 accidents and 3 incidents involving 626 fatalities and 235 injuries where wind shear was the direct cause or a contributing factor. The NASA/FAA research project will cover five major areas: technology assessment, present position sensor integration, hazard characterization, pilot factors in wind shear and effects of heavy rain. This represents a consensus approach among the aviation community. Researchers will thoroughly assess the application of technologies such as Doppler and laser radar for airborne equipment to detect the wind-shear danger with the intent of avoiding it. They also will look at the current reactive systems that tell a pilot he is in wind shear and offer the crew guidance information to facilitate a safe exit from wind shear. Another goal is to develop a better understanding of the complex wind structure of a microburst.
NASA (Nationnal Aeronautics and Space Administration) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Launch Wind Shear Research Project
1986
2 pages
Report
No indication
English