RADAR Research and Development

The phased array radar, used on Navy ships to support tactical operations, is being adapted for weather use.

National Weather Radar Testbed

Phased Array radar is NSSL's newest radar frontier, with the potential to significantly increase warning lead times and the ability to perform multiple functions. The National Weather Radar Testbed (NWRT) was created in Norman, OK, by a government/university/industry team to investigate the application of the PAR's electronically steerable antennas to weather observations. It is the official facility where phased array technology will be tested and evaluated. The NWRT became operational in 2003.

The spring 2007 National Weather Radar Testbed (NWRT) demonstration began on 18 April and ended on 15 June 2007. It included five interrelated experiments that investigate the utility of PAR data in detecting, forecasting, and modeling characteristics of deep convection.

Access to the NWRT is available to scientists and engineers nationwide for qualified and approved data collection experiments. For more information see the NWRT Usage Policy.

Doppler Radar and Remote Sensing

Doppler radar researchers use NSSL's polarimetric research Doppler radar (KOUN) to design and evaluate possible upgrades to the National Weather Service network of WSR-88D radars, focusing on improvements in flash flood warnings, measurements of rainfall and snow fall, identification of hail, and discrimination between liquid, wet, and frozen precipitation.

Real-time Applications and Display Development

Software engineers and computer scientists research and develop applications and displays that improve the warning decision-making process, primarily the Warning Decision Support System – Integrated Information (WDSS-II).

Software Engineering and Technology Improvement

Software engineers design and develop software to support weather radar research and technology transfer to the NEXRAD program and are engaged in a project that will bring dual-polarization technology to the network beginning in 2009. Together with hardware engineers they are actively involved in developing the National Weather Radar Testbed (NWRT) into a world-class research facility.

Radar Engineering and Development

Radar technicians and engineers are in charge of maintenance and development of NSSL's radar facilities. They design, develop, and deploy new hardware and software that focuses on phased array radar and multi-mission phased array radar as well as mobile dual-polarized x-band technology.