2008 Spring Real-Time Phased Array Radar Demonstration

NSSL's phased array radar

The six week 2008 Spring Real-Time Phased Array Radar Demonstration in Norman, OK gave visiting NWS forecasters from across the nation an opportunity to evaluate phased array radar (PAR) data in real-time to investigate the potential operational benefits of PAR technology.

Forecasters evaluated the PAR data for threats of large hail, high winds, and tornadoes, and provided feedback on the operational utility of these high-temporal resolution data (1-minute volumetric scans; 24-second 0.5 degree updates).

Evaluating the potential operational utility of PAR is crucial to determining its suitability as a replacement technology for the WSR-88D. NSSL's Pam Heinselman leads this effort.

PAR tutorial

PAR - acronym for phased array radar and refers to phased array radar technology: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/research/radar/phasedarray. php

NWRT - acronym for the National Weather Radar Testbed phased array radar located in Norman, OK. The NWRT is the proof-of-concept phased array radar: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/research/radar/nwrt.php

MPAR is a possible future multi-mission phased array radar specifically tailored for monitoring weather, serving aviation needs and tracking non-cooperative aircraft. This radar does not yet exist. http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/divisions/radar/par/mpar.php