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Phased Array Radar
The SPY-1 Navy radar is being adapted for severe weather tracking
HISTORY OF PHASED ARRAY RADAR
Navy ships originally used AEGIS phased array radar technology to protect naval battle groups from missile threats. Scientists believe the same technology has great potential for increasing lead time for tornado warnings.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) funded the initial study by Lockheed Martin and others to verify the capability of phased array radar to detect weather. Recognizing the potential for improved tornado detection, NSSL's Jeff Kimpel and John Heimmer of Basic Commerce and Industries approached ONR to see about procuring a research radar for NSSL. The Oklahoma and New Jersey Congressional delegations and University of Oklahoma president David Boren provided essential support for the project.
In 2000, the ONR agreed to loan an antenna to NSSL and provided $10,000,000 in funding to help build the National Weather Radar Testbed (NWRT). The National Weather Service provided the transmitter and additional funding from NOAA, the University of Oklahoma Meteorology and Engineering departments, Lockheed Martin, and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education purchased the environmental processor. NOAA agreed to provide ongoing infrastructure support. In addition, the FAA provided initial funding for research, program management and initial upgrades, and the NWS has donated equipment.
The NWRT became operational in September 2003, and first data were collected in May 2004. Several data sets were collected during the limited 2005 storm season.
