Abstract: Electromagnetic radiation from lightning is detected at a ground station which is part of a cellular network of stations; a computer determines a position of a thunderstorm associated with the lightning, then compiles and stores the storm location data. A user aircraft transmits, via cellular telephone equipment or direct radio link, a request for information together with a user identification number. After validation of the user number weather data is transmitted to the aircraft where a microcomputer processes the weather data to correct for the aircraft's position and heading, then displays storm locations relative to the aircraft. The display may incorporate radar data and satellite photographs of cloud formations. In-flight weather notices are transmitted in addition to the storm location data.

Abstract: Aircraft communications are established on a cellular system by having the transmission to aircraft directed above ground level so as not to interfere with ground cellular systems and having the transmissions from the aircraft at extreme low power levels so as not to interfere with transmissions from ground vehicles. The location of mobile stations either aircraft or ground vehicles for one embodiment is determined by Loran reception or other radio navigation system in the mobile station and transmitted to a mobile switching center to be used in transferring control from cell to cell by use of the determined location of the mobile station. For another embodiment the antennae for aircraft (both base station and mobile) are horizontally oriented while ground vehicle antennae (both base station and mobile) are vertical as in present commercial practice.

Abstract: Directional antennae on aircraft and on cellular telephone base stations, having a polarity opposite that of potentially interfering ground system signals, minimize signal strength of air cellular signals received by ground cellular stations. Aircraft directional antennae comprise patch antennae or vertical arrays of loop elements or vertical arrays of virtual loop elements. Additionally, air cellular signals are switched to channels not currently in use by ground cellular systems.