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CLASSIFICATION OF WINDSHEAR SEVERITY

A simplified model of aircraft and pilot response to wind shear is used to identify the potential height loss during wind shear encounters. This potential height loss is directly related to the possibility of unscheduled ground contact and is proposed as a primary indicator of wind shear severity. Key factors of wind shear strength and aircraft performance which influence the potential height loss are identified using this simple model. This helps to provide a better understanding of the complex interactions between the pilot/aircraft and the wind shear. Various practical severity factors are examined in relation to both the potential height loss and the probability of encountering various shears. It is shown that severity factors based on pseudo-energy-rate have fundamental problems in resolving the conflict between false alarms and providing timely information to a pilot when used with current sensors on aircraft or sensors that scan and probe (such as Doppler Radar or laser). An improved severity factor based on the potential height loss analysis is shown to have a low risk of false or missed alarms, and appropriate threshold values are easily identified for all aircraft types. This improved severity factor requires probe and scan sensors.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • In AGARD, Flight in Adverse Environmental Conditions.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Royal Aircraft Establishment

    Farnborough,   England 
  • Authors:
    • Woodfield, A A
  • Publication Date: 1989-9

Media Info

  • Pagination: 13 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00497069
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Sep 30 1990 12:00AM