Method of estimating the maximum height of an ocean surface

摘要

A method is provided for estimating the maximum height of an ocean surface, comprising, receiving a plurality of altitude sensor data spatially dispersed from different points about an aircraft, determining a mathematical description of the ocean surface based upon the altitude sensor data, and estimating the maximum probable wave height of the ocean surface from the mathematical description of the ocean surface. The method may further comprise determining a cruise altitude for the aircraft based upon the maximum wave height. The mathematic description may comprise conducting a Fourier analysis of the amplitude, frequency and direction of the ocean surface.