Aviation Testing the Accuracy of a Wake Vortex Warning and Avoidance System

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Wake vortices can have adverse effects on following aircraft. Warnings about potentially critical encounters with wake vortices must have sufficient accuracy. The DLR has now, for the first time, conducted flight tests to trial a self-developed wake vortex warning system using live commercial flight traffic data.

Wake vortices typically form as two oppositely rotating vortices that slowly descend behind an aircraft. Larger aircraft can generate vortices containing significant energy. Without specific atmospheric conditions such as high humidity and low temperatures, the vortices are not visible. "Flying into a wake vortex can suddenly cause a strong reaction in the incoming aircraft," explains André Koloschin from the DLR Institute of Flight Systems. "This is largely avoided through procedures and safety distances. As previous studies have shown, an additional warning could further enhance pilots' situational awareness," Koloschin adds.

Vortex prediction and warning

Under the leadership of the DLR Institute of Flight Systems, a warning and avoidance system for wake vortices has been developed: Wake Encounter Avoidance & Advisory (WEAA). The DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics provides a model to predict vortex behavior, including information on vortex transport and strength. "The challenge is to achieve sufficiently accurate vortex forecasts based on available weather data from various sources," explains atmospheric physicist Frank Holzäpfel. Additional data from the aircraft itself and surrounding air traffic enables the prediction of potential conflicts and the display of avoidance options.

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Vortex encounters in the service of research

To evaluate the vortex prediction, the actual vortex position is required. To accurately determine this position under cruise conditions in the upper airspace, the DLR specifically flew into the vortices with its research aircraft In-Flight Systems and Technologies Airborne Research, or ISTAR. During this process, all aircraft data was recorded. Targeted entry into vortices is only possible when they are visible. Under certain atmospheric conditions, contrails form, which are drawn into the vortices and make them visible. Therefore, the test flights were conducted under atmospheric conditions that favor the formation of contrails.

On the way to practical applicability

To carry out such test flights, comprehensive coordination of all parties involved is necessary. Air traffic control was informed well in advance. During the flights, precise coordination took place via radio between the DLR research aircraft ISTAR, air traffic control, and the respective commercial aircraft. "In a total of five test flights, 120 vortex entries were performed, allowing extensive data to be collected for further developmental work," summarises Koloschin. "With the current version of our prediction, we were able to conduct an initial assessment directly during the flights. Qualitatively, all predictions met expectations. The next step is to systematically evaluate the data quantitatively. This will enable further development of the technology toward practical applicability." (se)

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