Development of Advanced Weather Surveillance Algorithms and Techniques for Rapid Scanning Tactical Radars

This Phase II STTR proposal describes our plan to develop advanced weather surveillance algorithms and calibration techniques for a rapid scanning phased array radar system. During Phase II, we plan to upgrade an exiting rapid scanning weather radar, the MWR-05XP, operated by the Naval Postgraduate School. Several features will be added, including a DC stepper motor for variable rate azimuthal scanning of the radar antenna, multi-antenna GPS for automatic platform alignment, and a satellite braodband Internet link. We also plan to implement a real-time clutter rejection algorithm suitable for the non-uniform sample spacing associated with the MWR-05XP's rapid scanning antenna. We will also test two separate calibration procedures designed during phase I, intended to provide absolute calibration and to characterize the antenna pattern as a function of electronic scan angle. Software modifications are also planned to archive processed data in widely accepted NetCDF format. Field experiments to study severe storms and hurricanes at landfall, and upgrading an additional rapid scanning radar owned by NPS are planned for the Phase II option. BENEFITS: Successful development of advanced weather surveillance algorithms and software for rapid scanning tactical radars will lead to the addition of weather surveillance modes to existing tactical radars systems, such as the Sentinel.