July 2, 2019 (JST)

National Research & Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Tottori Prefecture

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Tottori Prefecture conducted trial operations of the Sodar-based Low-level Wind Information (SOLWIN) system at Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport (Tottori Airport) between August 2018 and March 2019. Pilots used the SOLWIN system in a real operational environment during the trials and evaluated that the system is useful to make air service operations safer. Based on the operational evaluation results, Tottori prefecture has decided to use SOLWIN at Tottori airport from August 1st, 2019.

SOLWIN helps improve the safety of takeoffs and landings by providing pilots with real-time wind conditions around airports. In particular, real-time provision of vertical wind profiles near runways is the first of its kind in the world. The SOLWIN system was jointly developed by Sonic Corporation and JAXA through JAXA’s Open Laboratory Scheme.