Application of Airborne Radar to Airline Operations

AN investigation of airborne radar of 5.5-cm wavelength to be used for weather mapping is discussed in this paper.

Results show that radar of this wavelength paints an accurate picture of the weather, thus permitting the pilot to detour a storm area with a minimum increase in flight time or to navigate through a storm while avoiding areas of heaviest turbulence.

In addition, this radar provides warning of hail shafts or tornadoes or of impending collision with terrain; its good terrain-mapping ability enables the pilot to scan an airport area to determine best possible flight paths.