Radar monitoring of a wake vortex: Electromagnetic reflection of wake turbulence in clear air

Abstract

This article deals with X-band radar trial campaigns in 2006 and 2007 at Orly Airport, and in June 2008 at Paris-CDG Airport. An X-band Doppler radar has been deployed to assess short range (inferior to 2000 m) wake vortex monitoring capabilities in all weather conditions (dry and wet conditions). Recorded data have been correlated with electromagnetic and fluid mechanical models of wake turbulences for better and more accurate understanding of roll-up radar cross section (RCS) and Doppler signature.