Abstract:
A display system is disclosed for use in controlling aircraft traffic. The display system includes means for displaying a representation of a first aircraft relative to a second aircraft. The display system also includes means for displaying a safety/risk zone in association with at least the representation of the first aircraft, wherein the safety/risk zone is adapted to move with the representation of the first aircraft to provide a dynamic indication of allowable spacing between the first and second aircraft. The safety/risk zone is updated at least periodically based on input data that contributes to the allowable spacing. The input data may include meteorological and wake vortex data in the vicinity of the first and second aircraft as well as aircraft and other relevant data.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for detecting atmospheric turbulence including aircraft induced wake turbulence and/or wind shear within an aperture associated with an aircraft approach or departure corridor around an airport. The method comprises transmitting into the aperture acoustic signals having a waveform suitable for pulse compression and receiving backscattered acoustic echoes of the acoustic signals from the atmospheric turbulence and/or wind shear. The method further includes processing the acoustic echoes in a matched filter receiver to provide a measure of the atmospheric turbulence and discriminating the aircraft induced demise time, being a time taken for the aircraft induced wake turbulence and/or wind shear to fall below a set threshold at least in the aperture. A system for detecting atmospheric turbulence including aircraft induced wake turbulence and/or wind shear associated with an aircraft approach or departure corridor around an airport is also disclosed.