Airborne Doppler radar detection of low altitude windshear

Abstract

NASA and the FAA, as part of a joint research effort aimed at the development of airborne sensor technology for low altitude windshear detection during aircraft takeoffs and landings, are giving attention to the potential usefulness of a microwave Doppler radar operating at X-band or above. A preliminary feasibility study was conducted with a microburst/clutter/radar simulation program. It is found that, using bin-to-bin automatic gain control, clutter filtering, limited detection range, and suitable antenna tilt, the windshear generated from a high-moisture microburst can be detected with 10-65 sec of warning time.

Authors

• Bracalente, E. M. NASA Langley Research Center
• Britt, C. L. NASA Langley Research Center
• Jones, W. R. NASA Langley Research Center