Synthesis of generalized vertical-plane weather radar imagery along aircraft flight paths

A method for synthesizing weather pictures in vertical planes along aircraft flight paths is presented. The weather data are derived from a number of Doppler radars covering different parts of the flight path. The flight path consists of straight segments with arbitrary offset and orientation with respect to individual radar locations. The intersection of radar scanning cones with the vertical plane segments are described as families of radial lines or hyperbolas depending on whether the flight path passes over a given radar or is offset from it. Radar data may be stretched or interpolated between radials to achieve continuity and smoothness of display. Schemes are incorporated for optimally using redundant data from multiple radars. Both scalar and vector weather data may be displayed. Such display is of great value for flight planning.