DELICAT · DEmonstration of LIdar based Clear Air Turbulence detection

Atmospheric turbulence encounters are the leading cause of injuries to passengers and crews in non-fatal airline accident. The number of turbulence accidents has been growing by a factor of 5 since 1980. A whole class of turbulence (Clear Air Turbulence), representing 40% of turbulence accidents, cannot be detected by any existing equipment including state-of-the-art weather radar. Operational concepts for the protection against turbulence hazard, based on a UV LIDAR, are: - Short-range measurement of air speed ahead of the aircraft and action on the flight controls, - Medium-range detection of turbulence, and securing of passengers by seat belts fasten. The short-range concept has been validated in the frame of the FP5 AWIATOR project. The objective of DELICAT is to validate the medium range turbulence detection (based on backscattered energy fluctuations). In development phase, both short and medium range will be integrated in single equipment. The validation of medium range turbulence detection is based on the comparison of LIDAR data and aircraft sensors data. - A UV LIDAR mock up is designed, manufactured and flight-tested, - The LIDAR data and the aircraft sensors data are compared off line for the same atmosphere area. The consortium assembled for the DELICAT project includes all the expertise necessary to reach the objective, and will take advantage of previous projects such as FP5 AWIATOR and FP6 FLYSAFE. The project resources are globally adapted to the project ambitious objectives and innovation content. DELICAT takes advantage of existing hardware (laser sub assemblies, test aircraft fairing) to achieve the goal at lower possible cost. The DELICAT project will directly contribute to the objectives of the AAT.2008.3.3.2. topic by increasing customer safety; the objective is to reduce the number of turbulence accidents by 40%. Dissemination of DELICAT will be ensured by setting up a Web Site, and by gathering an External Experts Advisory Group.