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Evaluation of the Multifunction Phased Array Radar Planning Process (2008) / Chapter Skim
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8 Family of Systems
Pages 59-62

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 59...
... As discussed in Chapter 2 of that report, the MPAR concept does not address a key aspect of the DOD's strategy for Homeland Defense & Civil Support (2005) , namely, "the nation will need to develop an advanced capability to replace the current generation of radars to improve tracking and identification of low-altitude airborne threats." Also, it does not address current deficiencies related to gaps in boundary layer coverage or meet the future needs for low-level radar coverage identified in numerous places in the report, such as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
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From page 60...
... This study concluded that, as a result of significant terrain blockage in that region combined with shallow depth of precipitation during cold seasons and low melting levels, 67-75 percent of the land surface in the region has inadequate radar coverage to support quantitative precipitation estimation. Figure 8.1 shows the coverage provided by the combined WSR-88D, TDWR, ASR, and ARSR systems at 1,000 ft Above Ground Level (AGL)
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From page 61...
... Source: Weber, 2007; printed with permission from the American Meteorological Society. Recommendation: MPAR system design studies and analysis of alternatives should consider the MPAR system as a candidate member of a family of systems, carefully considering design and mission tradeoffs with existing and new surveillance capabilities under development.
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From page 62...
... Achieving comprehensive coverage down to 300 m, for example, would require a network of several thousand radars spaced tens of kilometers apart. Realizing such a network cost effectively would require substantial reductions in radar acquisition, siting and recurring costs compared to today's radars.
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Key Terms

  • versus radar
  • weather events
  • national weather
  • radar coverage
  • aircraft surveillance

  • surveillance radars
  • radar spacing
  • nas surveillance
  • nearly complete
  • smooth earth

  • network comprising
  • surveillance requirements
  • vulnerable conus
  • fundamental limitation
  • inadequate radar

  • national surveillance
  • associated weather
  • surveillance radar
  • radar sites
  • comprehensive coverage

  • specific weather
  • current network
  • national air
  • weather surveillance
  • entire national

  • radar beam
  • doppler weather
  • route surveillance
  • weather radar
  • weather phenomena


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