Adaptive-Weather-Surveillance and Multifunction Capabilities of the National Weather Radar Testbed Phased Array Radar

Abstract

The National Weather Radar Testbed (NWRT) is maintained and operated by NOAA's National Severe Storm Laboratory in Norman, OK, USA. It is a phased array radar (PAR) that was established to evaluate the potential to perform aircraft and weather surveillance with a single, multifunction radar. The NWRT PAR is also being used to demonstrate advanced weather-surveillance concepts that are well suited to the unique capabilities offered by phased arrays. This paper provides an overview of the adaptive-weather-surveillance and multifunction capabilities of this system.