Laser Doppler Velocimetry as a Low Altitude Wind Shear Detection Technique

Ms. Katherine O'Dell

Department of Mathematical Sciences
University of Alabama in Huntsville

February 4, 2000

Abstract

The Lockheed Developed Active Infrared Measuring (AIM) system has been utilized as a real time wind detection device in several field applications, including use as an adjunct to the Dynamically Aimed Free Flight Rocket (DAFFR) system during tests at Eglin Air Force Base. The AIM system was deployed adjacent to the DAFFR launcher and operated to gather crosswind data along the project launch path.

The AIM system is one historical segment of the major advances in radar and laser uses in wind measurement since the advent of the study of laser and radar systems in the early 1900s.