(June 2006)
FCM-R25-2006
________________
A single network of multifunction phased array radar (MPAR) units could provide next-generation expansion of our current weather surveillance network, replace the Nation’s aging air traffic surveillance radars, meet homeland security and defense requirements for identifying and tracking non-cooperative craft operating over the U.S. homeland, and become an integral part of achieving National and International goals set for the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).
This report,
produced by the Joint Action Group for Phased Array Radar Project, documents
the current and future Federal agency needs that can be met with domestic
surveillance radar systems, details potential benefits that may be realized
from this technology, and proposes an R&D plan to evaluate an MPAR
option to meet these needs and realize the benefits.
Opening
- Cover
- Foreword
- Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
1.0 Introduction
- 1.1 Historical Evolution of Radar Applications
- 1.2 Federal Civilian Agency Interest in Phased Array Radar
- 1.3 The Joint Action Group for the Phased Array Radar Project
- 1.4 Report
Purpose and Structure
2.0 Federal Agency Needs That Radar Can Meet
- 2.1 Weather Surveillance
- 2.2 Aircraft Surveillance Radar
- 2.3 Other Surveillance Functions Performable by Radar
- 2.4 Summary
of Radar Performance Needs
3.0 Comparison of Alternatives for Future civilian Radar Functions
- 3.1 Why Should MPAR Be Considered Now?
- 3.2 Technical
Comparison of MPAR and MRCR for a Civilian Radar Surveillance
Network - 3.3 Comparison of MPAR and MRCR for Atmospheric Measurements
- 3.4 Comparison of MPAR and MRCR for Aviation Applications
- 3.5 Summary
4.0 Technical Aspects of Meeting Surveillance Radar Needs
- 4.1 Radar Configuration
- 4.2 Operating Frequency Band Options
- 4.3 Array Configuration Options
- 4.4 User Connectivity
- 4.5 Aircraft Surveillance Post-Processing
- 4.6 Weather
Surveillance Post-Processing
5.0 Cost Considerations
- 5.1 Rapidly Evolving Technology Will Contribute to MPAR Affordability
- 5.2 Rough
Order-of-Magnitude Acquisition and Operations and Maintenance Cost
Summary - 5.3 Summary
6.0 R&D Plan to Support Domestic Radar Network Decisions
- 6.1 R&D Strategy
- 6.2 Technology Development and Test
- 6.3 Proof of MPAR Operational Concepts
- 6.4 Refinement of the MPAR Network Concept
- 6.5 Time Line and Resource Estimate
7.0 Key Findings and Recommendations
- 7.1 Summary of Key Findings Supporting the Next Steps
- 7.2 Recommended Next Steps
Appendices
- Appendix
A. Biography and Reference List
Appendix B. Multi-Function PAR U.S. Civil-Sector Surveillance Needs
Appendix C. Preliminary Cost Analysis for Multifunction Phased Array Radar
Appendix D. Detailed R&D Task Time Line and Cost
Appendix E. Acronyms
Appendix F. JAG/PARP Participants
Appendix G. Phased Array Radar Project Joint Action Group: Capabilities
Questionnaire