Abstract: A method for indicating readiness of a predictive windshear system on an aircraft is provided. The method includes determining whether a windshear system is in a ready state and providing a first output that causes an indication of the ready state, the ready state being responsive to the windshear system being ready to detect a windshear event. Determining whether the windshear system is in the ready state includes comparing a first time until a first parameter reaches a first value with a second time for initialization of the windshear system and determining that the windshear system is ready to detect the windshear event in response to the first time being greater than the second time.

Abstract: A hazard detection system is for use on board an aircraft or other vehicle. The aircraft or other vehicle is disposed in an environment. The hazard detection system includes a circuit for receiving a charge accumulation signal indicative of the electric field associated with the environment. The circuit provides a warning in response to the charge accumulation signal. The warning is indicative of a hazard or potential hazard.

Abstract: An aircraft lightning event detector includes a sensor mounted to an aircraft. The sensor determines whether a lightning event has struck the aircraft or induced a possibly damaging current into the aircraft. A threshold mechanism determines whether the sensed lightning event is greater than a predetermined size. A memory stores a record of the sensed lightning event for post-flight maintenance analysis when the lightning event is greater than the predetermined size.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for providing hazard alerting for an aircraft via an airborne weather radar system. The method includes performing multiple weather radar scans at various tilt angles via the system and receiving radar returns via a receiver. The returns are stored in a memory of the system and merged with ground clutter suppression algorithms for eliminating ground returns from the stored returns and for creating a weather image based on remaining returns included in the stored returns. The image is provided via a weather radar display of the system, and includes an alert icon and an alert message when a hazard is present within an area proximal to the aircraft and is at or above a severity level threshold. The alert icon and alert message collectively indicate a type, severity level and location of the hazard in azimuth relative to a heading of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for determining an adjusted position of a component of an aerial vehicle in response to a situational parameter is provided. The system includes a component mounted on an aerial vehicle, a control system operably coupled to the component, and a processor operably coupled to the control system. The control system adjusts a position of the component based on commands received from the processor. The processor receives positional data and a situational datum relating to the vehicle. The positional data is determined as a function of a situational parameter of the vehicle and is stored in a memory accessible by the processor. The processor determines an adjustment to the position of the component using the situational datum and the positional data and sends the determined adjustment to the control system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting volcanic eruption and predicting plume hazards are described. The system comprises a processor and a database having the location of a plurality of volcanoes communicating with the processor. The system also comprises a lightning detector communicating with the processor. The system further comprises a weather radar communicating with the processor. Further still, the weather radar comprises program logic running on the processor. The program logic is configured to correlate the location of a volcano from the database with the presence of lightning from the lightning detector and a volcanic ash plume from the weather radar.