Airspeed and Wind Shear Measurements with an Airborne CO2 Continuous Wave Laser.

Abstract

The Laser True Airspeed System (LATAS) developed by the Royal Aircraft Establishment and Royal Signals and Radar Establishment and installed on the RAE HS 125 research aircraft is described. It has proved exceptionally reliable and rugged. Examples of results are presented including a climb to 43000 ft; flight through a severe thunderstorm wind shear (microburst); pressure error measurements; and signals observed in cloud, heavy rain and from solid objects such as the ground. The paper concludes with some thoughts on other potential applications such as using the sensor for an intelligent autothrottle; for measuring cross-flow velocities; for measuring tyre and ground speeds to save tyre wear; and was a combined air data and ground velocity system for helicopters (including a facility to maintain a steady hover).

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1983
Accession Number
ADA147851

Entities

People

  • A. A. Woodfield
  • J. M. Vaughan

Organizations

  • Royal Aircraft Establishment

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Continuous Waves
  • Detectors
  • Doppler Systems
  • Dynamic Range
  • Flow
  • Frequency
  • Ground Speed
  • Lasers
  • Mach Number
  • Measurement
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Processing Equipment
  • Recording Systems
  • Scattering
  • Static Pressure
  • Wind Shear

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy