A Dual Polarization Phased Array Radar Demonstrator

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are actively investigating a Multi-function Phased Array Radar (MPAR) that could be used to replace multiple and disparate current radar systems that are approaching their planned end-of-life. One of the technical challenges for MPAR designers is to implement dual polarization capability on phased array technology that meets or exceeds the dual polarization capability achieved on the WSR-88D radars. A dual polarization phased array radar panel was developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology / Lincoln Laboratory (MIT/LL) in previous years. The National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) and MIT/LL have collaborated to build a 10-panel dual polarization phased array radar demonstrator. Specification of the radar demonstrator and test plans will be discussed.