Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) Initial Operational Test and Evaluation. Phase 2. (IOT&E(2))

This report summarizes the Next Generation Weather Radar NEXRAD initial operational test and evaluation. NEXRAD is a joint Department of Commerce, Defense, and Transportation effort to develop and procure a doppler weather radar system to replace the present radar and as a major upgrade to existing capability. The test had four purposes evaluate the operational effectiveness and suitability of the preproduction NEXRAD review deficiencies and enhancements documented during previous testing identify deficiencies and enhancements not previously documented and identify items to be addressed during follow-on operational test and evaluation. The NEXRAD Program Council will use the test results as an aid to exercising the full-scale production option and to identify deficiencies that need to be corrected before NEXRAD becomes fully operational. NEXRAD was an effective aid in providing weather warning, weather advisory, and routine weather services support. However, the usefulness of velocity-based products was severely degraded during periods of widespread convective activity. In addition, reliability, maintainability, and availability problems, such as those associated with power transitions, PUP graphics processors, and the transmitter, severely detracted from mission capability. Software documentation and software support resource deficiencies produce a risk that the government may not be able to assume software support responsibilities at the appropriate time. JHD