British Airways is trialling a new device designed to monitor ash levels in the skies and prevent minimise flight disruptions.
Named after the Greek God ZEUS, the prototype was built in a bid to prevent a rerun of 2010’s Icelandic volcanic eruptions, which caused major flights disruptions across Europe.
According to creators weather forecast experts, Met Office and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the device uses electrostatic charge on the aircraft to detect small amounts of ash in the atmosphere.
The idea for ZEUS came from a pilot, who noticed that static levels created by low levels of volcanic ash in the atmosphere cause his hair to stand on end.
An early prototype of ZEUS was tested on a NERC dedicated research aircraft.
But British Airways became first commercial airline to trial the product during a flight to Johannesburg.
British Airways trials an ash detector to minimise future flight disruptions. Image: CristinaMuraca/Shutterstock
The advanced prototype will fly on the 747 for a year, building up electric field data in normal atmospheric conditions around the world.
Information collected will then help scientist build a picture of volcanic disruption. Aircraft engineers can also use this data to schedule post-flight inspections of engines and aircraft systems.
“ZEUS has the potential to provide a clearer picture of ash distribution and could be used to inform decision making-processes in the event of future volcanic eruptions.”
Captain Dean Plumb, British Airways
Meanwhile, Met Office head of natural hazards Ian Lisk said further development is still required, but results so far have proved promising.
“While further development is still required, we are delighted with progress with this prototype volcanic ash sensor to date and the findings we have so far received from the tests are very promising.”
Ian Lisk, Met Office head of natural hazards
