The AWDL was created as a long-term research, development, and demonstration laboratory for the creation and evaluation of products that will enhance the safety, efficiency, and capacity of the aviation system. AWDL components are science, engineering, user interface, validation, and demonstration. This rapid prototyping capability allows users to gain experience with new products, test them in a real working environment, and provide the AWDL with input for product refinement. These users, who include pilots, controllers, traffic managers, supervisors, and airline and airport operators, are involved with product development from concept definition through final implementation.
Controllers provide pilots wHh runway-specific wind shear information in a simple format.
The TDWR system detects microbursts, gust fronts and wind shift lines, and precipitation. TDWR data are used in the AWDL to develop terminal weather prediction products such as storm motion, tornado, microburst, and storm initiation. The TDWR system includes a geographical situation display that depicts the weather products in a simple graphical format for traffic managers and supervisors. The FAA will begin deployment of the TDWR system nationwide beginning in 1992. Click here for a graphic of the TDWR system.