Overview
The main objective of the project was to plan and run ad hoc measurements finalised to test, validate and optimise:
- The radar signal simulator CleoSIm developed in the CLEOPATRA project;
- The radar signal processing and weather classification algorithms implemented on an EFB in the KLEAN project;
- The EFB GUI interfaces for the advanced display of weather classifications and decision-making advices (KLEAN project).
The specific objectives were:
- X-BAND polarimetric radar overview, selection and acquisition. The radar must be suitable to be mounted on airborne platform for gathering data in presence of weather events in compliance with the JU-SGO goals;
- Planning the ad hoc measurement campaign in well-monitored selected scenarios;
- Experiments conduction and data acquisition;
- Validation, optimisation and SW refinement of the avionic polarimetric radar signal simulator (CleoSIM);
- Validation, optimisation of the EFB weather radar signal processing and trajectory optimization algorithms (KLEAN project);
- Refine the EFB GUI in accordance with the new needs resulting from the experimental data analysis;
- EFB SW refinement and implementation to a level TRL5 (Technology Readiness Level 5).
Funding
Results
Executive Summary:
The aim of the CleanSky System for Green Operations ITD, and specifically the Management of Trajectory and Mission (MTM) work package, was to demonstrate that the mitigation of external noise generated by the aircraft and the reduction of emissions (main environmental goals of ACARE, the European Technology Platform for Aeronautics and Air Transport) can be supported by the prediction of the new Green trajectory development.
To this purpose, avionic polarimetric radar had been proposed as a new advanced system to better sensing weather phenomena. New polarimetric radar signal processing algorithms had been developed for weather classification as well as trajectory optimization techniques based on Q-AI approach. Such algorithms had been implemented in an EFB in the KLEAN project and tested on simulated data generated by the CleoSim signal simulator realised in the CLEOPATRA project. Algorithm assessment was strongly affected by the reliability of the radar data simulator, therefore it is not really clear if any conclusion coming out from the performance analysis results is not really clear if it is due to the algorithm behaviour or if they are partially influenced by the processed data.
X-WALD gave a concrete solution to these doubts by planning specific measurements planned and tailored to validate and refine both the CleoSim and the weather classification algorithms
The results of X-WALD had a strong impact on the MTM work packages and on the whole SGO-ITD partner member because:
- A reliable avionic polarimetric weather radar simulator will be available that represents a valuable tool for generating any kind of radar data in any weather condition, so saving money and effort in conducting a multitude of real measurements.
- The benefits of the weather classification and trajectory optimization algorithms to the reduction of noise pollution and gas emissions will be quantitatively demonstrate on real data.
- Tests on the behaviour of the EFB in a real scenario can be conducted also assessing the impact that these new decision-aid tools have on the pilots.