WINGTIP GENERATED WAKE VORTICES AS RADAR TARGETS

Previous radar wake vortex detection experiments have resulted in meas ured beam averaged values of radar reflectivity from wake vortices in clear air. We have employed average wind and thermodynamic variable ou tput 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 r esults agree well, compared to data in the literature. In the clear ai r case, scales of turbulence were analyzed at each grid point to deter mine the appropriate maximum radar frequency for detection, Initial wa ke structure, transport, and vortex persistence are related to atmosph eric winds, atmospheric stability, and generating aircraft characteris tics.