Aviation weather radar

Abstract

The Federal Aviation Administration has established three ground-based weather radar programs. The terminal Doppler weather radar (TDWR) and weather system processor (WSP) provide wind shear detection capability for air traffic controllers in the terminal area. These systems also reduce weather related delays. The next generation weather radar (NEXRAD) is used by the FAA to improve safety and reduce weather related delays in the en route environment. A significant technical challenge for all three of these systems is to provide reliable weather data for aviation without false alarms. The TDWR and NEXRAD are in the deployment phase while the WSP is in development.