Distributed Weather Radar Using X-Band Active Arrays

Abstract

Dense networks of short-range radars capable of mapping storms and detecting atmospheric and airborne hazards are described. Comprised of physically small, low-power antennas, these networks defeat the earth curvature blockage that limits today's long-range radar networks and enable high resolution views that extend from the lower-troposphere up to the tops of storms. The networks are comprised of 1-meter antennas that transmit 10's of W peak power and are capable of high-speed electronic beam-steering. A system architecture is described that maximizes the value accrued to users of radar data through utility functions that specify dynamic, optimal allocation of resources in response to the needs of multiple end-users and associated information retrieval algorithms.