Operational rapid Scan Weather Radar System

An advanced rapid scan strategy for operational weather radar systems is presented. The basis of the strategy is an interleaved volume scan. An advanced communication scheme allows a significant increase in the volume update rate. A new digital antenna drive system increases the elevation step response time of the pedestal significantly which reduces the time required for a complete volume scan significantly.

The new scan strategy is compared with the volume scan and update rates which are available from modern 3D phased array defense radars. It is shown that the dwell times which are required for accurate moment estimation are predominantly determining the volume scan time. As a consequence the update rates for meteorological scans of the phased array radar and of the proposed scanning strategy combined with an advanced mechanical drive system are comparable.

Details of the advanced scan strategy and of the new antenna drive system will be presented.