Laser-Doppler system for detection of aircraft trailing vortices

This paper reviews the results of a test program utilizing a CW CO 2 laser-Doppler velocimeter system that has demonstrated the capability of detecting wing tip vortices by the measurement of Doppler shifted back scatter from atmospheric aerosols naturally suspended in the atmosphere. The velocity signatures of vortices generated by a C-47 aircraft making low altitude cooperative flybys are shown. Some considerations of an operational detection system are given.