CONTRAIL DISTANCE FORMATION MODEL
This paper outlines a model developed that estimates the distance behind the engines that a contrail (condensed trail of water vapor) is expected to form. The model results support exceptionally well a statement issued by the United States Air Force (USAF) that ‘contrails become visible roughly about a wingspan distance behind the aircraft’. An abundance of photographic and video evidence shows the repeated formation of aerosol trails in much closer proximity to the engines than that established by the USAF. The evaluation presented in this work adds to the multitude of studies that conclusively demonstrate that the emissions from aerosol operations are not composed primarily of water vapor. A very detailed model calculation is presented supporting these claims.