Patent awarded for rapid response volcanic ash detector

February 2, 2017

University Relations

Cathy Cahill, director of the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, has received a U.S. patent for rapid response volcanic ash detector technology.

The technology is an integrated system for warning an aircraft of potentially hazardous concentrations of volcanic ash, or other large ambient aerosols, in its surrounding environment.

In December 1989, a KLM 747 jet headed for Anchorage with 231 passengers aboard lost two miles of altitude after an ash cloud from Redoubt Volcano killed all four engines, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The pilots were able to restart the engines and land safely in Anchorage, but the plane required $80 million in repairs.

Cahill’s technology functions on board the aircraft and warns the crew of increasing concentrations of volcanic ash. The pilots can turn the aircraft away from the ash cloud before it enters the heart of the plume and experiences engine failure.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Mark Billingsley, 907-474-2626

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