Architecture Overview and System Performance of the Airborne Phased Array Radar (APAR) for Atmospheric Research

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is investigating potential configurations for the next generation of airborne radar which is capable of retrieving dynamic and microphysical characteristics of clouds and precipitation (Loew et al. 2007, Moore et al. 2007). A modular, dual-polarization, C-band phased array is currently under consideration. The airborne platform provides unique challenges for the radar design engineer. Mechanical stress, weight restriction, thermal management, prime power conservation, limited power aperture, lifetime and cost are factors, which must be managed effectively and taken in account for defining the APAR architecture.

This paper describes the architecture of a C-band, two-dimensional electronically scanned, dual–polarized phased array radar and presents the design specification and expected performance of the radar system. The paper highlights the high-level systems architecture and provides the design trade-offs for the radar development. Two companion papers have also been submitted to this conference; the first addresses the scientific needs and APAR concept, while the second provides measured results from a small, prototype, 64 element, phased array radar front-end currently under development.

References:

Loew, E., W. Lee, J. Vivekanandan, J. A. Moore, J. S. Heard, and S. M. Duffy, 2007: An Airborne Phased Array Radar Concept for Atmospheric research. 33rd Conf. on Radar Meteor, 6-10 August, 2007.

Moore, A. J., J. Vivekanandan, W. Lee, E. Loew, S. mayor, and S. Spuler, 2007: Development of Advanced Radar and Lidar Platform Suite for Interdisciplinary Airborne And Ground-Based Remote-Sensing Research. 33rd Conf. on Radar Meteor, 6-10 August, 2007.