SOCRATES™ Sensor for Optically Characterizing Remote Atmospheric Turbulence Emanating SoundThe U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognizes that a major problem in aviation today is airport congestion, caused by the inability to keep pace with the growth of air traffic. A major contributor to this problem is wake turbulence, also known as a wake vortex, which is strongest and most dangerous when planes take off and land. Our patented SOCRATES™ technology is being developed to identify the strength and location of wake turbulence by measuring changes in the speed of laser beam light waves. Upon completion of our development and test program, we believe the system will be trained to recognize the acoustic signatures of different air disturbances as far as two nautical miles away, and provide pilots and Air Traffic Control personnel with advanced warning of the nature and location of these potential hazards. Based on our prototype tests, we believe SOCRATES™ will be:- Reliable in most weather conditions
- Highly accurate
- Eye safe
- Able to detect even small disturbances
- Able to detect disturbances without the presence of large atmospheric particles such as rain or ice crystals
Due to wake turbulence, the FAA restricts take offs and landings behind heavier aircraft, expending precious minutes of runway time in each affected pair of aircraft. According to recent estimates, these delays are part of an estimated $5.2 billion per year in unnecessary costs. Other remedies, such as new runway construction, are costly and environmentally disruptive. Upon successful completion of development, the benefits of SOCRATES™ technology could include:
- The ability for airports and airlines to streamline flight schedules using "adaptive spacing"
- Substantial cost savings generated for airports, airlines and passengers
- Improved flight safety for passengers and airline personnel
http://www.flysafetech.com/advancing_technologies/socrates.asp
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