EDR (Eddy Dissipation Rate) is a fluid property describing the turbulent state of the atmosphere. It is a key parameter used in modeling the decay of aircraft wakes – the higher the ambient EDR the faster the wakes decay. EDR is also a parameter used in the development of turbulence forecast products.

Airlines equipped with TAPS downlink EDR values as part of the TAPS reports. These reports are accumulated in a database. Currently over 400 aircraft are reporting EDR as part of TAPS, making these aircraft the largest source of EDR data available.

Estimating EDR on board an aircraft is subject to sources of error and uncertainty. AeroTech is supporting the FAA in quantifying these errors and in developing guidance for standards in EDR estimation.