Cb-global capability uses data on cumulonimbus (Cb) clouds from geostationary satellites to detect, track, and nowcast thunderstorms in order to provide pilots an overview of the current weather hazard situation beyond the limited view of the on-board radar. It is relevant for the upper airspace en-route and enables a pilot to strategically plan a safe and smart flight route around the thunderstorms well ahead in time instead of flying tactical manoeuvres and searching for gaps between the thunder cells.

These Cb-global data are provided through the Cb-global service to be used in the cockpit. Hence, the service provides MET hazards information to the flight management operation of a civil airspace user operation centre allowing to improve flight planning.

Cb-global capability is a mature technology, developed during previous European research. SESAR expands this and addresses the delivery of Cb-global data through SWIM technical infrastructure. The data does not require real-time delivery so the service can be supported by SWIM technical infrastructure yellow profile.

The use of Cb-global as an additional strategic planning tool brings operational benefit. This benefit increases if the Cb-global information is used both in the air and on the ground for a common information sharing and common decision making.

It should be noted that other solutions were developed by MET Service Providers in SESAR1 and are already included in the SWIM Registry, which provide harmonised and consolidated observations and forecasts of enroute weather hazards for aviation.

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Edition

2022

Stakeholders

Airspace Users

Type

SESAR

Scope

Local

Status

Initial