The UAH/NSSTC Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research (ARMOR)

摘要: The past four years have seen a marked enhancement in meteorological-radar infrastructure and radar-research capability at the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH) National Space Science Technology Center (NSSTC; collaborative center supported by UAH, NASA-MSFC USRA). This is due part to development ARMOR C-band dual-polarimetric radar facility (amongst other mobile facilities also discussed this conference). radar, located Huntsville International Airport, originated as unique collaboration between university, government broadcast meteorologists (the very first its kind relative concurrent operational, research applications dual-polarimetry). Contributions from each these entities resulted upgrade surplus Weather Service WSR-74C research-grade polarimetric radar. initial took place late 2004 with WHNT-TV purchase installation SIGMET (now Vaisala) Antenna Mounted Receiver (AMR), RVP8/RCP8 processor/antenna controller, new radome, antenna feed. AMR enabled simultaneous transmit receive (STSR) hence collection moments. During original WSR74C reflector 250 kW magnetron-transmitter were used. In early 2005, 350 magnetron transmitter was purchased Baron Services installed. October 2006 high performance parabolic dual-pol feed (Seavey) installed together Orbit pedestal. Radar control data delivery are facilitated through use T-1 lines that run airport both NSSTC Huntsville. Under current operating protocols scanning product completed NSSTC, though can if desired. default configuration operated 24/7 an STSR rain scan mode alternating surveillance on 5-minute cycle; scans separated 2.5 minutes. Every minutes raw arrive where they corrected real time for attenuation differential (using constrained ZDR/Z-PHI approach) products generated (e.g., maps, hydrometeor identification etc.). derived archived redistributed locally over network within Forecast Office (collocated NSSTC) operational use. periods interesting weather often full, sector, or RHI volume modes coincident UAH NWS NEXRAD platforms needed.