US Patent 10336465 Ice crystals and volcanic ash detection system

Methods and systems for detecting ice crystals and volcanic ash in concentrations capable of causing power loss in aircraft jet engines. These hazard conditions are inferred from the detection of ice crystals or ash in air recently lifted from the lower atmosphere by convective updrafts. The detection systems can comprise subsystems for detecting air recently lifted from the lower troposphere by measuring radon activity along the aircrafts' flight track, as well as subsystems for detecting ice crystals or volcanic ash around the aircraft via multispectral measurements. The detection of ice crystals in air recently lifted from the lower troposphere indicates that the ice crystals are likely present in large concentration. The detection of volcanic ash in air recently lifted from lower atmosphere also indicates that volcanic ash is likely present in high concentration. These are hazards conditions that could cause power loss, jet engine flameout, and even damage jet engines.