ABSTRACT
The rate of thunderstorm development can also be
modelled within the weather radar system
providing crews with increased notice of
anticipated turbulence.
Knowledge of how thunderstorms develop over
land versus oceans can be built into the system to
modify the weather radar display. Different
geographical areas of the world generate different
types of storm with their associated turbulence;
these characteristics can be built into the system’s
software model. These models are used to
characterise the different type of storms that
develop in the northern and southern
hemispheres, taking into account the variations
that occur with latitude. Turbulence warnings can
also be customised for specific aircraft types and
A complementary technology used for the
detection of storms is lightning detectors. These
are inexpensive and lightweight, making them
very attractive for general aviation (especially for
single-engine aircraft, where there is no space for
a radome). Lightning detection system comprises
an antenna, processor and display; the system
weight is approximately 5 kg versus 15 kg for a
weather radar system. The system monitors
electrical activity within a storm (whereas
weather radar detects precipitation as described in
this chapter).
