Model for the calculation of the radar cross section of wake vortices of take-off and landing airplanes

A new model has been developed for the calculation of the radar cross section and the power backscattered by wake vortices of take-off and landing airplanes in order to better understand the physical mechanisms involved, to compare with the measurements that will be performed in X-band by Thales during the SESAR P12.2.2 project and to prepare inputs for testing a Wake Vortex Advisory System. The model contains a first part that simulates the evolution of the vortex in stratified atmosphere, using simplified 2D fluid mechanics equations and uses the pressure, temperature and humidity for the calculation of the difference between the dielectric permittivity of the clear air and of the wake vortex. The second part calculates the power backscattered by the dielectric permittivity gradients in the vortex. The input parameters describe the atmosphere as well as the airplane of interest. Simulation results have been compared with results published in the literature, when all the input parameters are available.