Robust Light-Weight Doppler Weather Radar

ABSTRACT:Helios Remote Sensing Systems, Inc. proposes to research applicable technologies related to Doppler weather radar, processing data from the radar sensor, and delivering the data over the DoD IT infrastructure. The Doppler weather radar will be designed for use by the Air Force Weather Agency and will detect 1 in/hr precipitation from 5-180 nmi, winds up to 50 kt from 5-50 nmi, have a 2-4 degree beamwidth, provide 360 deg azimuth and up to 60 degree elevation coverage, and be two man transportable. As part of Phase I, we will conduct antenna trade studies between mechanical and electronic scan, single versus dual polarization, single versus dual frequency, single versus multiple faces, and multi-functionality to include air surveillance versus single weather detection. During Phase II, we will design, develop, deliver, and demonstrate a physical and electronic brassboard-level prototype of a Doppler radar solution, defined in Phase I. Assembly, disassembly and transport will be demonstrated through production representative article physical mock-up. We will work closely with the Air Force to provide feedback on operational suitability.BENEFIT:The technology from this SBIR effort will become instrumental in the development of a variety of Department of Defense and commercial radar applications. Small, portable, light weight radars suitable for weather monitoring, combined with counter-airborne vehicle detection and track promises to be of significant interest to many agencies including the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and Special Forces. In addition, with the growing use of UASs in the world, this capability promises to have many applications for local UAS operation, both commercially and for additional Federal agencies such as Department of Homeland Security and Department of Energy.