Aircraft laser systems are set to take off
To fly safely and effectively, pilots need information on the air mass that surrounds the aircraft. This air data is measured using a variety of sensing devices, such as temperature probes and pressure sensors. It delivers vital parameters such as air speed and altitude for the safety of an aircraft's flight. However, these sensing systems have until now required high power input and regular maintenance. The objective of the 'Demonstration of anemometry instrument based on laser' (DANIELA) project, funded by the EU, was to eliminate these needs. DANIELA aimed to prepare the operational use of a flush-mounted air data system (ADS) built around a 3-axis Doppler light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. LIDAR is an optical remote-sensing method whereby measurements are made using laser light and analysing the reflected light waves. Before implementing the technology in aircraft, it is necessary to ensure that the system will provide the parameters in all adverse flight conditions. Based on work performed in the NESLIE project in the EU’s Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), DANIELA will enable further weight, size and cost reduction of the LIDAR system. the second flight test campaign to validate the new system was completed successfully. A detailed overview of all test flights shows that the newly developed LIDAR system could operate in all the atmospheric phenomena encountered so far. advances made by the DANIELA project mean that civil aircraft are now able to remove some of the conventional external probes, especially those which are most exposed. The new system will provide accurate air data with a high level of passenger safety while increasing the robustness of the ADS in adverse weather conditions.
