BOULDER, Colo., March 10 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists are testing a new radar system that could help aircraft avoid water droplet-laden clouds that cause in-flight icing.
The buildup of ice on airplanes in flight is a major wintertime hazard for small and commuter planes. The National Center for Atmospheric Research is testing the system, known as S-Polka, which combines two existing radars that use
different wavelengths. By studying the differences between the images reflected back to each radar, scientists hope to find tiny water droplets that are difficult to distinguish using either radar alone.
"This will take out a lot of the guess work," said Marcia Politovich, director of NCAR's icing program. "We think it will show exactly where the water is. That information could ultimately turn into an important warning system for pilots."
