A Review of The Second Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR) Symposium

Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR) is a multiagency initiative to replace seven models of mechanically rotating conventional radars operated by four federal agencies with one type of phased array radar. The plan calls for sharing data from approximately 330 multifunction radars, which would replace about 510 single-purpose installations. For a more comprehensive review of MPAR concepts, see OFCM (2006).

The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (OFCM), in conjunction with the Executive Council for MPAR and Working Group for MPAR, planned and sponsored the Second MPAR Symposium, convened at the National Weather Center in Norman, OK, on November 17-19, 2009. A follow-on to the first symposium, held in October, 2007, Symposium II focused on key risk-reduction efforts undertaken during the last two years. Meeting under the theme Moving Forward with Risk Reduction for Cost Effective Service Improvements, 230 participants from government, industry, academia, and other sectors reviewed progress in addressing multifunctionality, potential service improvements, and cost reduction. Special presentations included talks by Dr. Randolph Lyon, Commerce Branch Chief in the Office of Management and Budget, and Dr. Karlin Toner, Director of the Secretary of Transportation's NextGen Coordination Staff. Recommended actions coming out of the symposium included completing a preliminary cost-benefit analysis and a mission needs assessment, updating the MPAR R&D Plan, synchronizing the MPAR concept of operations and governance with broader on-going efforts within the integrated surveillance community, leveraging other phased array radar R&D, and addressing radio spectrum allocation issues.