Laser-based system could put an end to air turbulence
A new laser-based detection technology which could put an end to turbulence in the path of an aircraft is now being tested as part of a multi-million pound European project.
The LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) instrument works by emitting short-wave ultraviolet laser radiation along the direction of flight.
The density of the air is determined from the backscatter value measured for the air molecules, oxygen and nitrogen.
Fluctuations in this density then provide information about the turbulence there. This indirectly acquired information enables analysis of the air in the region the aircraft is about to fly through.
In other words, clear air turbulence is made visible in advance along the route, giving pilots the chance to fly around it.
The DELICAT (Demonstration of LIDAR based CAT detection) project is a joint project sponsored by the European Union.
The LIDAR system will be used in a flight campaign throughout Europe until the end of August. The resulting data will then be analysed and tested before the technology can be deployed on future aircraft.
