Radar–Acoustic Detection of Aircraft Wake Vortices

Abstract

All aircraft produce trailing wake vortices as a direct consequence of generating lift. Vortices may be dangerous to following aircraft during takeoff and landing. An all-weather airport wake vortex sensor has been sought for more than 25 years as part of a ground-based wake vortex avoidance system that would enable current U.S. Federal Aviation Administration separation standards to be safely reduced under instrument and visual flight rule conditions. A sensitive all-weather radar?acoustic wake vortex sensor is described that satisfies wake vortex avoidance system requirements. Samples of recent vortex data gathered at New York?s Kennedy International Airport are presented.