The Detection Range of the AN/TPN-19 Radars in Heavy Rain (Baseline Scan Mode).
Abstract
This report describes the expected detection range of the airport-surveillance radar (ASR) and precision-approach radar (PAR) of the AN/TPN-19 tactical GCA system. The main emphasis is on the interaction of heavy precipitation with radar performance. The radars are assumed to be operating in the baseline, or conventional, scan mode. A brief survey of world climatology relevant to heavy precipitation is given, and the results of measured rainfall data are used to develop statistical descriptions of the meteorologic parameters that affect the propagation of electromagnetic waves. A weather model is formulated for heavy rain conditions that is generally consistent with the contract specifications. An important aspect of the analysis is the incorporation of the variability intrinsic to the weather model. The radar operation is considered over the ensemble of propagation conditions that typify the weather variability. The results are distributions of radar range that indicate the percentage of time that the detection range exceeds a certain value, given the stated rain model, a reference target, and the system conditions typified by a stated probability of detection. The results of the study show that for the system parameters chosen, the radar performance is limited by precipitation clutter. The choice of operating frequencies has made severe precipitation a dominating cause of radar range limitation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 15, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0903313
Entities
People
- A. C. Schell
- R. A. Lawhern
- R. J. Donaldson Jr.
- R. K. Crane
- R. M. Dyer
Organizations
- Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories