1. Update on Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR)
ICMSSR 31 May 2007
Dr. Jeff Kimpel
National Severe Storms Laboratory
SPY-1D Phased Array Radar aboard DDG-79 USS OSCAR AUSTIN

2. Overview Background MPAR Status Benefits Cost Issues Future Efforts
Recommendation

3. Background - What is Phased Array Radar?
Planar phase front
Planar phase front
Electrical added phase delay
Mechanically Steered, Rotating Reflector Array
Electrically Steered, Fixed Phased Array VS
Fundamental change in way radar will scan objects: no longer determined by rotation rate of radar, rather on the update rate required to detect/track objects by user

4. Background - MPAR Program Origin
NRC Report Beyond NEXRAD (2002), recommends PAR technology be developed as replacement for legacy weather radars
In 2004, Federal Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (FCMSSR) directed an interagency Joint Action Group be convened to assess R&D priorities for phased array radar
Joint Action Group Report on Phased Array Radar R&D Needs and Priorities published in June 2006 and briefed to ICMSSR as multi-function capability for both weather and air surveillance
Air
Surveillance
Aircraft Surveillance
&
Weather Surveillance
DOT/FAA
DOC/NOAA
DOD/
DHS

5. MPAR Status Mission Objective
Evaluate new technology and develop the next generation MPAR network
Develop interagency management structure
Objective
Develop affordable MPAR network for improved:
Weather data for aviation safety
Numerical weather prediction (modeling)
Airport efficiency and capacity
Aircraft detection and tracking
(cooperative and non-cooperative)
Natural disaster warning & response
Homeland security (toxic plumes)
Volcanic ash detection
Wildland fire smoke detection

6. MPAR Status - Evolution
Long-Range Surveillance
Severe Weather
Non-Cooperative Targets
Weather Fronts
Terminal Surveillance
WMD Cloud
Dual-Use Science &Technology
2000
1996
1997
1993
1994
1995
1991
1990
1989
1992
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
and beyond…
Nat’l Wx Radar Testbed
MPAR Pre-Prototype
DUS&T: Dual Use Science and Technology. Development of new modules. Navy program (ONR). Scott Sandgathe

7. National Weather Radar Testbed
MPAR Status
National Weather Radar Testbed
Norman, OK
BACKUP SLIDES

8. MPAR Status - Microburst Event
MPAR captures 29 clear images and more data during the time it takes TDWR for 6, the result is better forecasts and earlier warnings
MPAR
TDWR
Strong updraft indicated by weak echo region
Rapid descent of high reflectivity core
19:41:12
19:44:35
19:46:51
MPAR
Vertical reflectivity cross-sections of MPAR with ~34s update (with a few spaced at ~ 1 min intervals) on top, OKC TDWR with ~ 2.5 minute update on bottom, for a strong microburst-producing storm cell (67 mph winds at surface).
TDWR: 23 tilts in 6 minutes, repeats each elevation scan twice or more during this time (0.5 degrees is sampled once per minute)
Annotated time is beginning PAR scan time; TDWR coincides with the start time of the TDWR 2.5 deg tilt, which is sampled ~every three minutes.
TDWR
Weak outflow in corresponding velocity field at 19:51:03
Strong outflow at 19:56:00
19:50:15
19:53:19
19:56:34

9. U.S. Surveillance Radar Networks Today
MPAR Status
U.S. Surveillance Radar Networks Today
TDWRs
ASR-9s
NEXRADs
ARSR-4s
ASR-11s

10. Multi-Mission PAR for Tomorrow
MPAR Status
Multi-Mission PAR for Tomorrow
Joint Agency Group
Recommendations
Today
Future Concept
NWRT Proof-of-concept tests
Develop scaled prototype and critical technologies
Mid :
Full-scale prototype & operational test :
2006:
Define concept and R&D roadmap
Stove-piped Approach:
ASR-9
ASR-11
Affordable Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR)
Sustain
Partially Modernize
Replace
ASR-8
ARSR-1/2
ARSR-3
ARSR-4
Reduced number of radars
Consolidated maintenance and logistics infrastructure
Enhanced capabilities
NEXRAD
TDWR
510 does not include training center radars, nor Alaskan, Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, Guamanian radars.
510* Radars, 8 Types
334 Radars, 1 Type
5000 ft AGL, Blue, weather only
*Includes Operational CONUS radar only

11. Benefits
Potential replacement for aging fleet of mechanically scanning radars over next 20 years
Allows consolidation of multiple single-mission radars into a single system, reducing national radar fleet by > 40%, saving nearly $5B over 30-year lifecycle
Provides both air and weather surveillance from a single radar site
No moving parts, lower maintenance costs
Multiple transmit/receiver components; avoids single point of failure
Scalable design of prototype will provide proof of concept for future MPAR

12. Benefits Better weather measurements
Rapid temporal sampling; full volume scan periods < 1 minute
Electronic scan can be programmed to contours of the horizon, reducing ground clutter
Adaptive dwell times/beam steering; selective target revisit in seconds rather than minutes
Split aperture correlation to estimate crossbeam wind component; 3-D vector wind fields for assimilation into NWP
Dual polarization for hydrometeor discrimination
Increased safety and capacity in severe weather conditions
Increased lead time for tornado warnings
Increased lead time for flood & severe weather warnings
Better initializing of national numerical weather prediction models leading to improved forecasting
Presently volume scan periods are 4 to 5 minutes

13. Benefits Terminal & En route surveillance Homeland security
Significant reduction in false track probability
Vertical position measurement for dedicated track modes
Very rapid track update rates in terminal area
Homeland security
Non-cooperative target tracking
Wind field mapping for dispersion models
Nuclear biological chemical (NBC) tracking…R&D needed
Discrimination of non-meteorological hazards: volcanic ash, airborne debris, smoke detection/tracking, biological scatterers (bird flocks), etc.

14. What Drives Cost? Cost Issues MPAR Cost Concept of Operations (CONOPS)
Operational Requirements (User Needs)
Drives
Scale
Performance Requirements (Characteristics)
Drives
Radar System Architecture & Design
MPAR Cost
Drives

15. RF Solid-State T/R Module Trends
Cost Issues
RF Solid-State T/R Module Trends
Cost
Estimated
Production
Cost ($K) per module
Power
System costs substantially reduced & operation costs lower every year

16. Future Efforts Develop affordable MPAR prototype for civilian use
Refine radar requirements and lay groundwork for MPAR cost/benefit analysis
Implement 9-year Research and Development Plan proposed in JAG PAR report, culminating in full prototype
Establish contacts/initiating partnerships with industry leaders in phased array technology
Coordinate agency programming for MPAR risk reduction effort: NOAA and FAA planning significant investments by 2009; DHS and DOD investments still TBD

17. Future Efforts
National Academies’ Board of Atmospheric Science and Climate enlisted to evaluate MPAR planning process to date and to make recommendations
MPAR Symposium, October, Norman, OK, will engage federal stakeholders, academia, industry
MPAR WG will continue to refine user requirements
-- Attend DHS/NORTHCOM Summit in Colorado Springs, 19-20
June to pin down homeland air surveillance requirements
-- Engage with JPDO to solidify NextGen aviation requirements
Solidify technical requirements for MPAR system: engineering trade studies to balance user needs with lowest cost
Number of independent channels (TBD)
Number of concurrent beams per channel (TBD)
Number of T/R modules per face (TBD)
Optimal scanning strategies (TBD)

18. Tentative Timeline for MPAR Development
Future Efforts
Tentative Timeline for MPAR Development
Critical Technologies / Pre-Prototype
Design Contract Build
Full MPAR Prototype
Technical Operational
Design Contract /Build Tests Tests
Decision
Point
Calendar Year

19. Recommendation
Support MPAR Working Group Activities, including MPAR risk-reduction program 19

20. Questions?