Project Title:

Detection of Wake Vortices at Airport Runways

92-1-03.02-8157B                                                  NAS01-19907
Detection of Wake Vortices at Airport Runways
Turbulence Prediction Systems
3131 Indian Road
Boulder, CO  80301
Charles F. Morrison                                  (303-443-8157)

Abstract:

     A passive infrared (IR) method will be developed for
detecting and monitoring wake vortices in the vicinity of runways.
To establish a safe, fundamental method for detecting and
monitoring wake vortices is crucial for increasing both flight
safety and airport efficiency. The effort consists of modifying
existing equipment for recording IR, weather conditions, and
aircraft type at a commercial runway under a range of weather
conditions; creating an analysis format and analyzing the data;
and developing a method for wake vortex detection and monitoring.
The anticipated results will show that IR is a capable tool for
the measurement of vortices from commercial aircraft and that
weather conditions will cause significant differences in wake-
vortex behavior with modifications for aircraft type.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Both airport efficiency and
aircraft safety can be gained with this technology. All airports
with moderate and heavy aircraft traffic could use the IR-based,
wake-vortex system. Pilots will be able to optimize the flight
path for interactions with wake vortices and to avoid dangerous
runway situations.

                                     ***