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
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims24
1-42. (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 a tracer into vortical flow generated by the lifting surface, the tracer being visually indistinguishable from its surroundings to an unaided observer on the ground and in a following aircraft while the tracer is in the vortical flow;
- and
- a controller operatively coupled to the tracer director to selectively activate the tracer director.
53-56. (canceled)
An aircraft system, comprising:
- a payload volume;
- a lifting surface positioned to generate lift and an associated vortical airflow;
- and
- an on-board vortical tracer system that includes:
- an energy director positioned to direct energy into the vortical airflow proximate to the wing to energize ambient air molecules of the vortical airflow and enhance a detectability of the molecules, the molecules being visually indistinguishable from the surroundings to an unaided observer on the ground and to an unaided observer in a following aircraft while the molecules are in the vortical flow;
- and
- a controller operatively coupled to the tracer system to selectively activate the tracer system.
An aircraft system, comprising:
- a payload volume;
- a wing positioned to generate lift and an associated vortical airflow;
- and
- an on-board vortical tracer system that includes:
- a tracer director carried by the wing and positioned to direct a gaseous tracer into the vortical airflow proximate to the wing to enhance a detectability of the vortical airflow, the tracer being visually indistinguishable from the surroundings to an unaided observer on the ground and to an unaided observer in a following aircraft while the tracer is in the vortical airflow;
- and
- a controller operatively coupled to the tracer director to selectively activate the tracer director.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.