Intercomparison of C2n data derived from VHF and UHF radars

Frank D. Eaton; William H. Hatch; John R. Hines; Jeffrey O. Johnson; Wayne Flowers; Glenn Hoidale; Elaine Santantonio

doi:10.1117/12.137892

1 August 1992 Intercomparison of C²n data derived from VHF and UHF radars

Frank D. Eaton, William H. Hatch, John R. Hines, Jeffrey O. Johnson, Wayne Flowers, Glenn Hoidale, Elaine Santantonio

Proceedings Volume 1688, Atmospheric Propagation and Remote Sensing; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.137892
Event: Aerospace Sensing, 1992, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Results of backscatter, or radar reflectivity, from VHF (50 MHz) and UHF (404 MHz) profiling radars are inter-compared. Both systems are operated as clear-air Doppler radars providing vertical profiles of horizontal and vertical wind, but the 50 MHz system is also calibrated for the refractive index structure parameter (C_n²) that is directly proportional to the backscatter. The method of calibration is outlined. Both radars employ phased array antennas with collinear-coaxial (CO-CO) elements. The VHF radar system transmits a peak power of 250 kW and has an antenna area of 15,600 m² while the UHF system transmits 7 kW peak power and has an antenna size of 170 m². Performance characteristics and operating modes are presented for both systems. Results presented include simultaneous comparisons of `shapes' of C_n² profiles as well as comparisons between different beams applying appropriate statistical tests. A method to empirically calibrate the UHF radar is discussed with recommendations for long-term use. Measurements from the radar systems are also compared to the Aeronomy Laboratory's turbulence model. Utility of the radar results with various optical and acoustic derived turbulence values is discussed.

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Frank D. Eaton, William H. Hatch, John R. Hines, Jeffrey O. Johnson, Wayne Flowers, Glenn Hoidale, and Elaine Santantonio "Intercomparison of C²n data derived from VHF and UHF radars", Proc. SPIE 1688, Atmospheric Propagation and Remote Sensing, (1 August 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.137892

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KEYWORDS

Radar

Calibration

Antennas

Atmospheric sciences

Turbulence

Atmospheric propagation

Backscatter

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