Remaining Scientific Questions for Weather Surveillance with a Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR)

The Multi-function Phased Array Radar (MPAR) program is investigating the possibility of simultaneously performing both aircraft and weather surveillance within a single radar. There has been an ongoing collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for over ten years to perform research activities on the key challenges of cost, dual polarization, and multi-function operation. Various activities, studies, contract awards, and technology development and demonstrations have been conducted to address these challenges, but there still remain some scientific questions that must be answered before a final program decision is made. This paper will discuss those remaining issues and the plans to address them.