Polarimetric approach to detection of probable aircraft icing zones. Icing detection algorithms

Aircraft icing is a dangerous meteorological phenomenon. Most important conditions for growing of ice coating on aircraft body or wings are presence of Supercooled Liquid Water (SLW) drops, high humidity and negative temperature of air. Remote sensing of the clouds with the help of polarimetric radar can detect the SLW in cloud. It can be used to avoid dangerous situations during the flight. Mathematical simulation of microwave backscattering from ice crystals of different forms and water drops in rain and clouds have been done. Different icing detection algorithms are described and analyzed.