Airborne remote detection of turbulence with forward-looking LIDAR

Abstract

Presently, the airborne remote detection of atmospheric turbulence is limited to radar-visible regions of the sky, i.e. zones that contain hydrometeors like rain or cloud droplets. The bulk of the actual turbulence, possible in clear air at all flight altitudes, evades such a remote detection. Though a remote determination of aircraft-relevant physical parameters relevant to turbulence could significantly increase flight safety. The following chapter reviews possible techniques of remote turbulence detection in clear air and identifies the most promising approaches for future aircraft. These are shown to be optical methods, i.e. LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) systems. Principles, as well as pros and cons of some complementary LIDAR techniques are discussed.