Wingtip generated wake vortices as radar targets

Previous radar wake vortex detection experiments have resulted in measured beam averaged values of radar reflectivity from wake vortices in clear air. We have employed average wind and thermodynamic variable output from a two dimensional wake vortex model in clear air and fog to predict radar reflectivity in a wake vortex on a one meter grid. The results agree well with data in the literature. In the clear air case, scales of turbulence were analyzed at each grid point to determine the appropriate maximum radar frequency for detection. Initial wake structure, transport, and vortex persistence are related to atmospheric winds, atmospheric stability, and generating aircraft characteristics.