LIDAR application on commercial aircraft

In summary, Boeing and Japan's Space Agency are collaborating to test LIDAR technology on aircraft. This technology, which uses lasers instead of radar, has potential to improve weather tracking and increase safety in both commercial and self-driving vehicles. While LIDAR is commonly used for research purposes, it has not yet been widely implemented on commercial aircraft. However, its use in conjunction with other sensors could greatly enhance the capabilities of self-driving cars.
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Boeing and Japan's Space Agency Are Testing LIDAR on Aircraft
http://www.popularmechanics.com/flight/news/a27595/boeing-japan-space-agency-develop-lidar-planes/

LIDAR, The equivalent of radar, but with lasers, could help aircraft track weather

http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2017-08-02-Boeing-and-JAXA-to-Flight-test-Technology-to-Improve-Safety

While LIDAR is used frequently on aircraft and satellites for science research, such as U.S. Geological Survey terrain scans, it has yet to be implemented to a large degree on commercial aircraft.
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LIDAR is one of the cornerstones of self-driving car technology, and it's used in conjunction with radar, cameras and other sensors to allow the vehicle's computer to "see" the world it navigates.
 
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Such a lightweight system would be very handy. However, the problem with all optical frequency (and thereabouts) systems is that they can suffer from huge path losses through clouds where Radio Frequencies will give return echoes through many layers of cloud. So you'd still need both systems on board, I think. (Not a problem, though)
In self drive cars, an optical system would be subject to fog and heavy rain attenuation. But the upside is that such a system would drive you at safer speeds than typical over-optimistic human drivers can manage to do. 5mph would get you there safely, eventually and actually stop you when appropriate. Should give the passengers a rosy glow to feel that safe.
 

What is LIDAR and how is it used on commercial aircraft?

LIDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and it is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure distances. LIDAR is used on commercial aircraft to create 3D maps of the terrain and to aid in navigation and obstacle avoidance.

What are the benefits of using LIDAR on commercial aircraft?

LIDAR provides more accurate and detailed information compared to traditional methods such as radar or visual inspection. It also allows for safer and more efficient flight paths by providing real-time data on terrain and obstacles.

How does LIDAR improve flight safety?

LIDAR can detect and map terrain and obstacles in real-time, allowing pilots to make quick and informed decisions to avoid potential hazards. It also provides more accurate data for navigation, reducing the risk of human error.

What are the limitations of using LIDAR on commercial aircraft?

LIDAR can be affected by weather conditions such as fog or heavy rain, which can reduce its effectiveness. It also requires a clear line of sight to the ground, so it may not be suitable for use in all environments.

Are there any regulations or restrictions on using LIDAR on commercial aircraft?

Currently, there are no specific regulations on using LIDAR on commercial aircraft, but it must comply with general aviation regulations and safety standards. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for evaluating and approving the use of LIDAR on commercial aircraft.

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