Assessing the impact of wind farms on radar
QinetiQ played a vital role in the outcome of proposals for a wind farm near Aberdeen in Scotland. As a result of QinetiQ’s impact assessment, the objection to the development was withdrawn and the wind farm was allowed to go ahead.
Hugh Gordon, a local farming group, was seeking permission for four wind turbines at a farm at Clochnahill, near Aberdeen. The British Airport Authority had objected to the plans, stating that the turbines would create false returns on the air traffic controllers’ screens at Aberdeen Airport. Hugh Gordon approached QinetiQ to verify the situation.
QinetiQ used its advanced modelling tools to carry out an impartial assessment of the effects that the proposed wind farm would have on the radar. The study showed that, despite the turbines being predominantly out of radar line of sight, they were still likely to be detected by the radar and therefore would be visible on the radar display.
An aviation assessment of the operational significance of the modelling results concluded that the overall effect was likely to be minimal to Aberdeen Airport air traffic control and the objection was withdrawn.
QinetiQ used its advanced modelling tools to carry out an impartial assessment of the effects that the proposed wind farm would have on the radar. The study showed that, despite the turbines being predominantly out of radar line of sight, they were still likely to be detected by the radar and therefore would be visible on the radar display.
An aviation assessment of the operational significance of the modelling results concluded that the overall effect was likely to be minimal to Aberdeen Airport air traffic control and the objection was withdrawn.
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