Radar 3D monitoring of wake-vortex hazards, circulation and EDR retrieval/calibration

At airports, runway operation is the limiting factor for the overall throughput; specifically the fixed and overly conservative ICAO wake turbulence separation minima. The wake turbulence hazardous flows can dissipate quicker because of decay due to air turbulence or be transported out of the way on oncoming traffic by cross-wind, yet wake turbulence separation minima do not take into account wind conditions. Indeed, for safety reasons, most airports assume a worst-case scenario and use conservative separations; the interval between aircraft taking off or landing therefore often amounts to several minutes. However, with the aid of accurate wind data and precise measurements of wake vortex by radar sensors, more efficient intervals can be set, particularly when weather conditions are stable. Depending on traffic volume, these adjustments can generate capacity gains, which have major commercial benefits. This paper presents Electronic scanning radar trials as Safety Net of a wake turbulence system supporting increased throughput as part of the European ATM research program SESAR, and complementary study UFO (Ultra-Fast wind sensOrs for wake-vortex hazards mitigation) funded by European FP7 program, on Radar EDR retrieval & Calibration.