Real-time Volumetric Weather/Propagation Loss Model

The purpose of this effort is to harden U.S. interceptor defense weapon capability with respect to weather in the battlespace. This project will focus on free space electromagnetic propagation loss in realistic volumetric weather to better understand sensor performance bounds in all weather conditions. This approach will provide improved sensor performance information over traditional methods that treat weather as a constant bulk property. It is expected that results from this project will improve requirements definition, reduce overdesign, and eventually support mission planning and engagement operation decisions. During the Phase II, atmospheric conditions relevant to propagation loss will be collected. While an atmospheric precipitation database will be developed, an aerosol database will also be developed to better understand the effects of atmospheric sand and dust on defense sensors in Middle Eastern operations. The weather databases and propagation model will be integrated into a distributed computing framework for Monte Carlo analysis in all weather conditions. The expected outcome of this study is the identification of methodologies and development of tools to better quantify sensor performance for requirements development and design.