Pulse pattern for weather phenomenon and incursion detection system and method
AssigneeRockwell Collins, Inc.
InventorDaniel L. Woodell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An aircraft radar system includes a radar antenna and a processing device. The processing device receives returns from the radar antenna associated with the scan. The processing device uses the returns from the scan for use in both incursion detection and weather phenomenon detection. A method for using the returns from the scan for both incursion detection and weather phenomenon detection is also disclosed.
Claims20
An aircraft radar system for use with a radar antenna, comprising:
- a memory;
- and a processing device receiving first returns from the radar antenna associated with a first scan pattern including a Doppler pulse pattern in response to being in a terminal area for windshear, turbulence, or microburst detection, the processing device processing the first returns from the first scan pattern into first data stored in the memory for use in both incursion detection and weather phenomenon detection, wherein the processing device receives second returns associated with a second scan pattern, the second scan pattern being a narrower scan pattern than the first scan pattern and being a non-Doppler pulse pattern, the second scan pattern being directed at targets in the first scan pattern with limited ground speeds.
A method of detecting an obstacle on a runway or taxiway and detecting weather phenomenon in takeoff and landing modes, the method comprising:
- determining that an aircraft is in a terminal area;
- performing a first Doppler scan in a first scan pattern suitable for windshear, turbulence, or microburst detection;
- obtaining data from the first scan, the data includes Doppler data;
- detecting an obstacle on a runway or taxiway and detecting weather phenomenon using the Doppler data;
- and
- performing a second non-Doppler scan at the obstacle, the second scan having a narrower width than the first scan.
A sensing system for an aircraft, the sensing system comprising:
- means for receiving returns associated with a first scan including a Doppler pulse pattern suitable for windshear, turbulence or microburst detection in response to the aircraft being near an airport associated with a landing or takeoff;
- and
- means for processing first data associated with the returns, wherein the means for processing provides a turbulence, wind shear or micro burst warning in response to the data and provides a runway or taxiway obstacle warning at least partially in response to the data;
- wherein the means for processing receives second data associated returns associated with a second non-Doppler scan, the second non-Doppler scan being directed at ground targets identified in the first scan.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.