Evaluation of the Multifunction Phased Array Radar Planning Process (2008) / Chapter Skim
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5 The MPAR Concept
5 The MPAR Concept
Pages 26-33
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From page 26... ...
Interspersed with those observations, the radar could also search the approach path to an airport every few seconds to locate incoming aircraft. Thus the basic concept underlying the Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR)
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From page 27... ...
The potential introduction of MPAR presents an opportunity to combine the diverse radar missions of weather surveillance, civil aircraft tracking and possibly homeland defense against airborne threats on a single1 standardized advanced technology platform. Implementation of an MPAR system to provide multiple functions could obviate, or at least diminish, the need for separate radar systems to support the individual functions.
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From page 28... ...
The need for polarization diversity with the capabilities required for weather observations may present technical obstacles for phased array implementations. The NEXRAD polarization diversity upgrade will feature simultaneous transmission of orthogonal linear polarizations.
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From page 29... ...
A complete MPAR cost analysis, including supporting data, an analysis of cost risk, and also a process for periodically revisiting and refining cost estimates, will be necessary to support any eventual implementation decision. As with any system designed to serve the needs of multiple federal agencies with multiple missions, MPAR cost increases are likely once the uses of MPAR by these various agencies are fully explored and understood.
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From page 30... ...
The complexity of the software development effort needed for a complex multifunction phased array radar, especially if it includes adaptive scanning capability, should not be understated. Siting costs of MPAR will hopefully be minimized by employing existing legacy radar sites.
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From page 31... ...
The cost estimation community has developed statistical techniques that account for both parametric relationships in costs and the uncertainty and risk in estimating them. The resulting cost estimates arrived at by Monte Carlo simulation can show a much higher cost risk than might be otherwise assumed, and total cost probability curves are often (and unfortunately)
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From page 32... ...
This almost always leads to cost growth due to the continuation of fixed costs, additional inflation, and increased risk of programmatic disruption. CAPITAL ASSET PLANNING Successful completion of preliminary MPAR risk reduction R&D activity would enable the planning and budgeting phase for eventual deployment to begin.
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From page 33... ...
An essential attribute of successful cost control in large acquisitions such as an operational MPAR network is the provision of sufficient and predictable project funding by sponsors at the correct time that is fully consistent with project plans. Interruptions, delays or reductions in the planned funding profile will cause significant and unrecoverable cost growth in a full-scale acquisition as well as in the R&D program.
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