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Aireon publishes technical paper on using ADS-B for turbulence detection

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ADS-B data can enable rapid response to turbulence

Space-based ADS-B company Aireon has published a technical paper on a new method to detect severe turbulence, which it says can provide additional awareness for ATC stakeholders and enable rapid operational responses. 

Severe turbulence encounters can force airlines to ground and inspect affected aircraft upon arrival, thereby losing operational capability and decreasing the efficiency of their fleet operations.

In the worst cases, severe turbulence can also lead to passenger and crew injuries. According to Aireon, instances of severe turbulence have been increasing in recent months, with high-profile incidents garnering worldwide attention.

Often, airlines do not have access to severe turbulence encounter information until after the aircraft lands, which causes delays in inspection operations and lengthens the grounding of the aircraft.

Aireon’s turbulence calculation uses the aircraft position, altitude, and velocity reports from Aireon space-based ADS-B data to infer the encounter with turbulence phenomena. The main parameters used are the geometric and barometric altitude, the geometric and barometric vertical rate, and the airborne ground vector information, all available in ADS-B reports.

Aireon is developing the methodology to include turbulence detection during all phases of flight, as well as to be able to identify precursors for these turbulence events.

Download the technical paper for more information.