Accession Number:

ADA090111

Title:

Test and Evaluation of the Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)-8 Wind Shear Detection System (Phase II). Revision.

Descriptive Note:

Interim rept. Apr-Dec 79,

Corporate Author:

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION TECHNICAL CENTER ATLANTIC CITY NJ

Personal Author(s):

• Offi,D. L.
• Lewis,W.
• Lee,T.
• DeLaMarche,A.

Report Date:

1980-08-01

Pagination or Media Count:

40.0

Abstract:

A wind shear detection system developed by the Wave Propagation Laboratory WPL to operate with the Federal Aviation Administration FAA Airport Surveillance Radar ASR-8 was installed and is being tested at the FAA technical Center. Initial efforts, previously reported in Report NA-78-59-LR, were directed toward hardware and software shakedown and feasibility determination. Second phase tests compared radar with aircraft and tower winds, evaluated the wind shear measurement capability under various weather conditions, and investigated the effectiveness of a simple two-azimuth pointing strategy and system capabilities and limitations. Results showed the system to be compatible with and to operate satisfactorily with the ASR-8. The processing and spectral display of clear air and precipitation returns is feasible. The accuracy of agreement between radar-measured winds and components of the aircraft-measured winds in both radially oriented flights and runway offset flights, using a two-azimuth pointing technique, was examined. Radar versus tower wind agreement was also examined. Potentially dangerous wind shears associated with weather during these tests were detectable. Certain system limitations also have been defined and considered. It is recommended that tests continue to complete definition of and demonstrate capabilities in all weather situations, to optimize performance, and to provide information to specify system design for possible development of a prototype model. Author

Descriptors:

• *DOPPLER RADAR
• *METEOROLOGICAL RADAR
• *WIND SHEAR
• *SEARCH RADAR
• TEST AND EVALUATION
• GRAPHS
• AIRBORNE
• ACCURACY
• PROTOTYPES
• AIRPORT CONTROL TOWERS
• AIRPORT RADAR SYSTEMS
• TABLES(DATA)
• FAST FOURIER TRANSFORMS
• FLOW CHARTING
• RADAR ANTENNAS
• FLIGHT PATHS
• RUNWAYS

Subject Categories:

• Meteorology
• Active and Passive Radar Detection and Equipment

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE