logo
New Advanced Technology Radar Installed at National Severe Storms Laboratory
news image
Special Stories
22 Oct 2018 8:28 AM
[NOAA] Radar research at the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory has taken another step forward. The Advanced Technology Demonstrator is installed at the National Weather Radar Testbed facility and will become fully operational in 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xso-P0UAE88 The Advanced Technology Demonstrator, or ATD, is the first full-scale, S-band, dual-polarization phased array radar built from the ground up and designed specifically for use as a weather radar. A phased array radar is able to steer the radar beam electronically left-to-right and up-and-down while the antenna remains stationary. The ATD has a flat, or planar, antenna comprised of 76 panels with 4,864 radiating elements. New Advanced Technology Radar Installed at National Severe Storms Laboratory [Phased Array radar has a unique antenna that collects the same information as a conventional radar in about one-sixth the time. Users can direct radar beams to scan different targets as needed. Researchers believe phased array could extend warning lead times from 10 minutes to 18-22 minutes.] In addition, the ATD features dual polarization technology developed at NSSL and recently added to WSR-88D radars, also known as NEXRAD, throughout the country. The ATD is adding dual polarization technology to phased array technology, combining the benefits of both. The new radar will feature dual-polarization’s ability to show the size and shape of precipitation, and the phased array’s faster updates. [Difference between conventional and polarmetric radar] The radar will be used for meteorological studies and to help researchers evaluate polarimetric performance of a planar phased array radar. Edited for WeatherNation by Meteorologist Mace Michaels
All Weather News
More Snow & Rain as Snowpack in California Creeps Closer to Top Spot
More Snow & Rain as Snowpack in California Creeps Closer to Top Spot
CALIFORNIA - We have had an incredible snow s
28 Mar 2023 9:35 AM
Strong Thunderstorms to Return to the Plains Thursday
Strong Thunderstorms to Return to the Plains Thursday
Confidence is increasing in the threat of wid
28 Mar 2023 9:30 AM
Snow System Moves From Montana to Minnesota This Week
Snow System Moves From Montana to Minnesota This Week
We expect pockets of low visibility and diffi
28 Mar 2023 3:30 AM
Parts of the Southeast Stay Sunny and Sultry
Parts of the Southeast Stay Sunny and Sultry
A ridge of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexic
28 Mar 2023 3:20 AM
Severe Storms Across the Gulf Coast Monday & Tuesday
Severe Storms Across the Gulf Coast Monday & Tuesday
This weekend was extremely active in terms of
28 Mar 2023 12:40 AM
Half a Foot of Snow in the Denver Area This Morning Causes Traffic Trouble
Half a Foot of Snow in the Denver Area This Morning Causes Traffic Trouble
After a wintery weekend in Colorado, Nebraska
27 Mar 2023 6:25 PM
Strong Storms Target the Midwest Sunday
Strong Storms Target the Midwest Sunday
With the jet stream focused over the Midwest,
26 Mar 2023 6:20 PM