Airborne Phased Array Radar (APAR): The Next Generation of Airborne Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radar

The National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States approved the Airborne Phased Array Radar (APAR) Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-2 proposal in 2023 to develop the next generation airborne polarimetric, Doppler weather radar mounted on the NSF/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) C-130 aircraft. Polarimetric measurements are not available from current airborne tail Doppler radars. The APAR system will consist of four removable C-band active electronically scanned arrays (AESA) strategically placed on the fuselage of the aircraft. Each AESA measures approximately 1.5 x 1.5 m and is composed of 2368 active radiating elements arranged in a total of 37 line replaceable units (LRU). Each LRU is composed of 64 radiating elements that are the building block of the APAR system. The development will take 5 years to be completed in summer 2028. APAR adopts a phased approach as an active risk assessment and mitigation strategy. The APAR Team includes partners in industry and in the university community. An APAR science and engineering advisory panel has been organized.

The authors will update current progress and accomplishments of APAR during the first year of the development, including the activities of the university and private industry partners and the engagement of collaboration with research and operational communities.