The Use of the Turbulent Lidar for Aviation Safety

Abstract

Clear air turbulence (CAT) constitutes the highest danger for aviation in the free atmosphere in the altitude range 6–12 km. Intermittence and random localization of CAT in a quiet surrounding air flow significantly restrict possibilities of its forecasting. Creation of systems for remote detection of turbulent zones becomes especially topical with allowance for climate changes and increase in the probability of CAT appearance. Results of turbulence sounding by the BSE-5 UV lidar from the Optik Tu-134 aircraft laboratory are presented. The in-flight experiment was conducted in September 2022 as part of the Arctic exploration program. The lidar recorded zones of moderate turbulence in the lower troposphere where the probability of turbulence is maximum; isolated cases of CAT were also recorded at an altitude of 9 km. The turbulent lidar can be used in practice for remote detection of turbulent zones at altitudes where most commercial flights are carried out. The prospects of ground-based application of the turbulent lidar for solving aviation safety problems during flights in the lower troposphere are also shown. The results of the BSE-5 lidar sounding in winter, when an increase in the intensity of turbulence in the 0.4–1.6-km layer was recorded during the passage of a cold front, are presented.