Stormscope/XM Wx Lighning1 Stormscope Weather Mapping System L-3 WX-500 Prepared by TJ Spitzmiller

Stormscope/XM Wx Lighning2 Lightning Lightning comes in three types, –fork, –ball, and –sheet. Fork is most wide-spread—ball is very rare. Because lightning is an intense electrical discharge –it generates electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) –can be picked up by a “radio receiver” –Try listening to an AM radio station during a thunderstorm.

Concepts First airborne instrument developed specifically to detect and map thunderstorms Analyzes radiated signals of electrical discharges (lightning) from storm cells. During cumulus stage storm cells are usually precipitation-free –Weather radar unable to show activity. Stormscope detects electrical activity already present as storm builds –Provides accurate view of areas to be avoided. Stormscope/XM Wx Lighning3

4 Function Processes both azimuth and range to determine the location and intensity of dangerous thunderstorm cells Presents findings in real-time Plots lightning as it happens, before the onset of precipitation

Stormscope/XM Wx Lightning5 Features Displays lightning in 25, 50, 100 and 200 nm ranges Pilot selectable Cell and Strike modes 360-degree view or 120-degree forward looking Updates lightning information every second

Stormscope/XM Wx Lighning Lightning Age < 6 sec 6-60 sec 1-2 min 2-3 min + +

Stormscope/XM Wx Lighning7 G1000 Implementation Heading stabilized Powered by Avionics Bus 1 Strike Rate indicator details building or dissipating storms. View on dedicated display HDG UP Data NOT available on moving map. CELL Mode uses a clustering pgm to ID center of activity.

Stormscope Views 360 Degree ViewArc View Stormscope/XM Wx Lighning8

9 Display MFD Map WX Page MFD-Navigation WX Page Choose Strike or Cell display (mode key) Strike mode shows every discharge Cell mode uses clustering algorithm to locate cells Displays an average STRIKE RATE per minute –Updated every 5 seconds Periodically clear display to assist in evaluation

Stormscope/XM Wx Lighning10

Stormscope/XM Wx Lighning11 POH Caution Use only for WX avoidance NOT for penetration. If heading is changed, strikes/cells must be cleared manually after executing each turn Annunciator Alert – STRMSCP FAIL

Stormscope/XM Wx Lighning12 XM WX

Stormscope/XM Wx Lighning13 2. No Lightning Info at ranges less than 25 NM 3 1.

Stormscope/XM Wx Lighning14 XM LTNG Strikes Cell Movement

Stormscope/XM Wx Lighning15 Break