Laser measurement for atmospheric turbulence
There are guidelines for minimum safety distances for queued airplanes both on approach and takeoff distances. These guidelines severely limit traffic capacity of airports. The MFLAME project, designed in France, has attempted to resolve this aeronautical hazard. By developing a Multi-Functional Laser Atmospheric Measuring Equipment (MFLAME) it has striven to produce an instrumental means by which the pilot can determine several atmospheric disturbances such as engine-wake, wind shear (even in dry air), air pockets and other anomalies such as hail that might affect flight safety. The impact of this technology could be tremendous. Firstly, it would provide accurate analysis of wake vortex severity, allowing pilots to follow other aircraft at optimal distances. Consequently, aircraft takeoffs and landings could increase, as following distances-time decrease without jeopardizing safety distances, resulting in augmenting aircraft turnover on airport runways. Maximizing airport facilities in this manner could help stave off the development of new airports that would haphazardly impact the environment. As an additional feature, this laser technology can assist ground fire-fighting crews, by determining the direction of post-accident toxic fume exhaust through remote wind profile management and hence evacuate citizens in the plume's direction. In short, this laser technology will contribute to aircraft safety and make a valuable addition on the ground too.
