Estimation of Wake Vortices Radar Cross-Section in Clear Air Using Large Eddy Simulations

This paper presents an analysis of the wake vortex (WV) turbulence radar cross-section under clear-atmosphere conditions. The analysis is based on the large eddy simulations (LES) of the wake vortices in a turbulent stratified atmosphere. For radar detection of wake vortices in clear air, it is important to estimate what are the limits of their detectability. It is shown that the high energy dissipation rate within the WV oval provides higher values of the RCS relative to the clear-atmosphere turbulence. Typical values of the WV RCS estimated using the LES are -85 to -80 dBsm in the X band and decrease significantly for frequencies above 10 GHz. The presented simulations enable sensitivity analysis of the WV radar detection in clear air.