Precise Calibration of Coherent and Non-Coherent Weather Radars by Means of a Radar Transponder,

Abstract

A generalized transponder technique for calibrating both Doppler and non-Doppler radars of arbitrary wavelength is described along with the hardware necessary to enable pulse to pulse radar system calibrations accurate to + or - 1/2 dB. The transponder, which is located in the far-field of the antenna, is designed to make the calibration insensitive to the magnitude of the ground clutter region surrounding the transponder. The accuracy and ease of measurement using this approach make it useful for both research and operational applications. Preliminary test results obtained with a 10 cm transponder and a 10 cm Doppler radar are described and compared with results obtained tracking metal shperes of known cross-section. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA033895

Entities

People

  • Herbert L. Groginsky
  • James R. Branche
  • John H. Turner
  • Kenneth M. Glover

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Calibration
  • Data Processing
  • Data Processing Equipment
  • Doppler Effect
  • Doppler Radar
  • Far Field
  • Frequency
  • Ground Clutter
  • Measurement
  • Oscillators
  • Processing Equipment
  • Radar
  • Radar Antennas
  • Radar Equipment
  • Radar Receivers
  • Radar Transmitters
  • Transmitters

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Radar Systems Engineering.