초록 ▼

Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow.

Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. An aircraft system, comprising:a payload volume;a lifting surface positioned to generate lift and an associated vortical flow; andan on-board vortical flow tracer system that includes:a tracer director positioned to direct a tracer into vortical flow generated by the lifting surface, th

We claim: 1. An aircraft system, comprising:a payload volume;a lifting surface positioned to generate lift and an associated vortical flow; andan on-board vortical flow tracer system that includes:a tracer director positioned to direct a tracer into vortical flow generated by the lifting surface, the tracer being visually indistinguishable from its surroundings to an unaided observer on the ground and in a following aircraft while the tracer is in the vortical flow; anda controller operatively coupled to the tracer director to selectively activate the tracer director.