Smoother Ride On Planes Of The Future

A new turbulence detection system is being developed that may help pilots avoid weather disturbances. According a National Geographic News report, this NASA initiative could "prevent injuries and save airlines millions of dollars."

There's two systems in the works -- the first of which is a modified version of the radar pilot's currently use, called E-Turb. This informs pilots of potential sources of turbulence, making them easier to avoid. The second is used when a plane has already encountered turbulence -- creating instant reports which allow ground crews to spot any maintenance issues, while also alerting nearby aircraft to the disturbance.

These new technologies could give pilots an additional several minutes of warning before they hit severe weather -- time which, according to NASA engineer Jim Watson, is "enough time to get everybody seated and carts stowed if you're in the meal phase of the flight."

Filed under: Airlines