Millimeter Wave (MMW) Radar Measurement of Ice Formation on Aircraft Wings

Army aircraft operating at altitudes below 25,000 ft are at risk when liquid water is present in the atmosphere within a critical temperature range. Currently, existing ice detection and accretion measurement systems have particular features that limit their application for Army aircraft utilization. A multi-mode, MMW radar sensor is proposed that has unique features that make it useful for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Each radar mode works in a complementary function to effect the complete range of ice accretion. An important feature is one that will allow it to operate in a non-radiationg mode during periods of restricted emissions. A study to expand the proposed concept followed by selective experiments to validate the detection and measurement modes will be performed.