Demonstration of schedule-based scanning at the National Weather Radar Testbed

It is foreseen that any deployed, multi-function phased-array-radar (PAR) is likely to require simultaneous execution of multiple scanning strategies with various purposes that compete for radar time. Hence, to demonstrate this capability, schedule-based scanning has been implemented on the NWRT PAR in Norman, OK. This paper describes the design and real-time implementation of manual and automatic schedule-based scanning and shows examples of the resulting functionality.

Manual scheduling will be used in the initial experimental stages to familiarize users with the innovative capabilities of PAR technology. Manual scheduling allows for easy testing and evaluation of new scanning strategies, and gives users complete control to determine scanning parameters and priorities. Automatic scheduling allows for the development and evolution of advanced algorithms that will optimize the utilization of radar resources and balance the needs of several functions without user intervention. A combination of automatic scheduling with the previously implemented adaptive scanning of weather regions will allow future storm tracking and detection algorithms to set scheduling priorities, define scanning areas, and select scanning strategies to further improve performance and value of the radar.