scope:

Description

This report details the context of a study accomplished to assess the maturity and the feasibility of using an airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system for detection of clear air turbulence (CAT). The study's intended function was to consider situational display of regions ahead of the aircraft that presented potential hazards to the aircraft due to CAT. Its goals were:

• To determine realistic goals for an airborne LIDAR system when used for clear air turbulence detection.

• To determine aircraft manufacturer needs for an airborne LIDAR clear air detection function.

• To determine the feasibility that LIDAR systems can meet aircraft manufacturer needs