CAT Altitude avoidance system

Details CAT Altitude avoidance system CAT Altitude avoidance system

1981-01-12

1982-08-31

Woodiel, Donald O.

Measuring and testing

Navigation

Take-off and landing monitors

73170R, 343100ME, 374122, 374123, G01C 2100, G01N 108

Patent

active

043465951

ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus are provided for indicating the altitude of the tropopause or of an inversion layer wherein clear air turbulence (CAT) may occur, and the likely severity of any such CAT, which includes directing a passive microwave radiometer on the aircraft at different angles with respect to the horizon. The microwave radiation measured at a frequency of about 55 GHz represents the temperature of the air at an "average" range of about 3 kilometers, so that the sine of the angle of the radiometer times 3 kilometers equals the approximate altitude of the air whose temperature is measured. A plot of altitude (with respect to the aircraft) versus temperature of the air at that altitude, can indicate when an inversion layer is present and can indicate the altitude of the tropopause or of such an inversion layer. The plot can also indicate the severity of any CAT in an inversion layer. If CAT has been detected in the general area, then the aircraft can be flown at an altitude to avoid the tropopause or inversion layer. The detection method can also be utilized to enable an aircraft to fly at an altitude at which the winds are most favorable for reducing fuel consumption.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3359557 (1967-12-01), Fow et al.
patent: 3380055 (1968-04-01), Fow et al.
patent: 3402295 (1968-09-01), Astheimer
patent: 3465339 (1969-09-01), Marner
patent: 3475963 (1969-11-01), Astheimer
patent: 3689924 (1972-09-01), Caruso, Jr.
patent: 3696670 (1972-10-01), Collis
patent: 3935460 (1976-01-01), Flint

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