Analyzing the retrieval of three-dimensional wind fields from downward-pointing, conically-scanning airborne Doppler radar

An algorithm for retrieving the three-dimensional (3D) wind field from downward-pointing, conically-scanning airborne Doppler radars such as the Imaging Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (IWRAP) and the new High-Altitude IWRAP (HIWRAP) is analyzed. The goal is to provide high-resolution, 3D wind fields in grid cells covering the full swath of the radar. Synthetic observations using an analytical wind field of a hurricane are used to document the feasibility of the approach and provide error estimates.