MPAR wind-shear experiment data analysis results

Analysis results from the 2012 Multifunction Phased Array Radar Wind Shear Experiment(MPAR WSE) are presented. The primary goal of this experiment is to assess the wind-shear detection capability of a terminal-scale MPAR (TMPAR). The National Weather Radar Testbed phased array radar (NWRT PAR) in Norman, Oklahoma is employed as a proxy for a hypothetical TMPAR, and its wind shear detection capability is compared to that of a nearby Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR), which is the current gold standard for terminal wind shear detection. Data from both radars are processed by state-of-the-art microburst and gust front detection algorithms implemented in the Integrated Terminal Weather System (ITWS). Issues addressed in this initial study include effects due to differences in sensitivity, volume update rate, and effective spatial resolution. In the future, studies will be conducted regarding the potential of polarimetric data to enhance detection and mitigate false alarms using data collected during the experiment by the nearby KOUN and KCRI NEXRAD research radars and the transportable PX-1000 radar.

This work was sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Air Force Contract FA8721-05-C-0002. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by the United States Government.