Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsMichael S. Lewis, Jere S. Meserole, Michael J. Dunn, Brian J. Tillotson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both.
Claims32
A method for identifying aircraft vortical flows, comprising:
- directing tracer elements from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft, the tracer elements including manufactured electronic devices;
- detecting an emission received from the tracer elements in the vortical flow;
- and
- based at least in part on the detected emission, directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both so that the second aircraft avoids the vortical flow.
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15-17. (canceled)
19-24. (canceled)
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29-42. (canceled)
An aircraft system, comprising:
- a payload volume;
- a lifting surface positioned to generate lift and an associated vortical flow;
- and
- an on-board vortical flow tracer system that includes:
- a tracer director positioned to direct tracer elements into the vortical flow generated by the lifting surface;
- a plurality of jettisonable tracer elements including manufactured, radiation-emitting electronic devices;
- and
- a controller operatively coupled to the tracer director to selectively activate the tracer director.
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52-56. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.