Assessment of Wake-Vortex Encounter Probabilities for Crosswind Departure Scenarios

Abstract

The WakeScene-D (Wake Vortex Scenarios Simulation Package for Departure) software package has been developed for comprehensive airspace simulations of takeoff and departure. WakeScene-D consists of modules that model traffic mix, aircraft trajectories, meteorological conditions, wake-vortex evolution, and potential hazard area. The software package estimates the probability to encounter wake vortices in different traffic and crosswind scenarios using Monte Carlo simulation in a domain ranging from the runway to an altitude of 3000 ft above ground. A comparison with measured vortex tracks of about 10,000 departures from runway 25R of Frankfurt airport indicates good agreement of global wake-vortex transport characteristics in ground proximity. The standard departure situation employing a 2 min aircraft separation is compared with scenarios with reduced departure separations and various crosswind conditions. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses have been conducted that are briefly recapitulated. Effects related to departure-route combinations and wind-direction sectors are reported in more detail. Finally, an advanced scenario with an asymmetric crosswind criterion is introduced.