An Ultra-Fast Scan C-band Polarimetric Atmospheric Imaging Radar (PAIR)

Abstract

This paper describes the novel hybrid front-end beamforming architecture of a C-band mobile Polarimetric Atmospheric Imaging Radar (PAIR) system for weather applications. PAIR, a state-of-the-art radar on a mobile platform, will be shared with the scientific and radar communities to further research frontiers using its unprecedented high-temporal resolution and scanning flexibility. The system under development achieves dual polarization through novel polarimetric phased- array antenna design; improved detection capability through integrated solutions provided by solid state technology; faster update time through digital beamforming (DBF) in elevation; and a robust structure for fast deployment in severe weather. The concept and research applications and the development progress of PAIR will be reported in this paper.