Signal processing for a laser based air data system in commercial aircrafts

A systematic approach for the design and implementation of an efficient and reliable signal processing unit able to provide vital flight parameters to the cockpit of an aircraft using a properly built LIDAR equipment is presented in this paper. Taking into account the specific characteristics of a signal coming out from such an optical device we define all the necessary steps for the real-time data acquisition and processing in order to extract accurate information about the true air speed (TAS) of the aircraft and other useful flight parameters. Simulation results using properly modeled signals verified the effectiveness of the suggested methodology. The proposed scheme is being developed in the framework of the EU funded NESLIE research project and aims to be finally flight tested in order to demonstrate the availability of accurate measurements in all weather conditions and in any phase of flight.