High-Power, Pod-Mounted W-band Cloud Radar for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The DOE's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement - Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle (ARM-UAV) program is focused on retrieving data on cloud water content (both liquid and ice) from remotely piloted aircraft. The data is used for improved parameterization of clouds in Global Circulation Models. This project will develop a high-sensitivity, airborne cloud radar suitable for installation on a variety of aircraft including UAVs. The approach is to develop a pod-mounted radar in a sealed pressure vessel, which will allow operation at altitudes up to 65,000 feet. Phase I will investigate methods of reducing the size and weight of key components, including the transmitter modulator and the millimeter-wave receiver. Also, an air-cooled pressure vessel design, suitable for installation in an existing or custom equipment pod, will be developed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the Applicant: There is a growing interest world-wide in studying the global distribution of cloud properties. Development of a pod-mounted cloud radar that can operate on a variety of aircraft will meet the needs of researchers for a reliable instrument for mapping cloud liquid and ice water content.