Feed: Business Yahoo UK
Posted on: Thursday, May 09, 2013 20:44
Author: Business Yahoo UK
Subject: Easyjet Tests Ash Cloud Detecting Technology
Easyjet is to test new technology that could enable planes to detect and avoid ash clouds. AVOID (Airborne Volcanic Object Imaging Detector) uses infrared sensors, and works in a similar way to a weather radar. Instruments are mounted on the outside of the plane and the pilot is able to see images of the cloud from the cockpit. The test will take place in England this August. Ash collected from Iceland will be dropped into the air by one plane and then a second plane will attempt to detect it. In 2010 hundreds of planes were grounded when the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted in Iceland. It left tens of thousands of passengers stranded and led to huge losses for airlines. EasyJet says AVOID can detect ash from a distance of 100km, which would give an aircraft time to change course. Ian Davies, easyJet's Engineering Director, said the technology is "as crucial now as ever to ensure we never again see the scenes of spring 2010". It has been developed along with Airbus and Nicarnica. Nicarnica's senior scientist Dr Fred Prata said he hopes the system will make "flying safer and economic again". |
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