The spaced antenna radar technique has been used by atmospheric scientists for measuring transverse (perpendicular to the radar beam pointing direction) winds using clear air radars with multiple non-overlapping apertures operating below 1 GHz [1][2]. In this paper we describe a similar technique using physically overlapped cross-polarized spaced antennas to extend the conventional spaced antenna technique to arbitrarily high frequencies and for simultaneously measuring polarimetric radar parameters for rain rate estimation [3]. This new technique was investigated through simulating the measurement process and by deriving analytical expressions for the measurement errors associated with specific radar and measurement parameters. An artificial neural network was also developed to experimentally optimize the velocity estimation algorithm using time series radar data obtained with non-ideal antennas. Potential applications of the technique include 2-D velocity field measurement with a single Doppler weather radar, or forward looking aircraft weather radar for updraft and downdraft detection.

[1] Lataitis et. al., 1995: “Precision of Spaced-Antenna Wind Estimates”, Preprints 27th Conf. On Radar Met. Vail, Colorado, pp.717-719 [2]. Lataitis et al., 1995 “An alternative method for inferring winds from spaced antenna radar measurements.” Radio Sci., 30, pp.463-474. [3] ProSensing Inc., “Three-dimensional Vector Velocity Measurement System Using Novel Overlapping Antenna Radar Technique” Final Report, Phase I SBIR, Missile Defense Agency, Contract No.: DASG60-01-P-0082, 2001.