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This paper describes wake vortex field measurements conducted during August, 1995 at Memphis, TN. The objective of this effort was to record wake vortex behavior for varying atmospheric conditions and aircraft types. Wake vortex behavior was observed using a mobile continuous-wave (CW) coherent laser Doppler radar (lidar) developed at Lincoln Laboratory. This lidar features a number of improvements over previous systems, including the first-ever demonstration of an automatic wake vortex detection and tracking algorithm. An extensive meteorological data collection system was deployed in support of the wake vortex measurements, including a 150' instrumented tower, wind profiler/ RASS (radio acoustic sounding system), sodar and balloon soundings. Aircraft flight plan and beacon data were automatically collected to determine aircraft flight number, type, speed and descent rate. Additional data was received from airlines in post-processing to determine aircraft weight and model. Over 600 aircraft wakes were recorded over the one-month period during 29 traffic pushes. Preliminary results from the field measurement program are presented illustrating differences in wake vortex behavior depending on atmospheric conditions and aircraft type.

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