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Advancements in Airplane weather surviellance radars
Author: Mohammed Afif Attar [WG86AA]
Cyber-Physical Systems
Email: afif0401@mailbox.unideb.hu
Abstract: This paper explores the advancements made in airplane weather
surveillance radar technology between 2000 and 2024. It discusses the limitations of traditional radar systems and how advancements in solid-state technology, signal processing techniques, and data integration have led to significant improvements in weather detection capabilities. The paper also explores the emergence of new radar types like phased-array radar, further enhancing weather data accuracy and real-time situational awareness for pilots.
1. Introduction Airplane weather surveillance radar plays a crucial role in this by providing real-time data on weather phenomena like turbulence, wind shear, and precipitation. Over the past two decades (2000-2024), this technology has undergone significant advancements, offering pilots a clearer picture of the aerial environment and improving overall flight safety. [1]
Traditional weather radar systems, prevalent before 2000, relied on magnetron tubes to generate radio waves and rotodome antennas for scanning. These systems faced limitations in terms of range, resolution, and the ability to distinguish between different types of weather. [2] The early 2000s saw the introduction of solid-state transmitters, replacing bulky magnetron tubes. This shift allowed for increased power output, leading to a wider detection range and improved signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, advancements in digital signal processing techniques enabled better filtering and interpretation of radar returns, leading to more accurate weather depiction. [3]
Radar has been highly influenced by microwave technology and, likewise, the development of microwave technology has been significantly affected by the needs of radar. Exciting developments have occurred over the last few years in system architecture and algorithms, waveforms, signal processing, materials, circuits, electromagnetics and device design, some of which will be addressed in the following sections. Radar requirements and design adjust to meet the mission needs and the constraints of the operating platform. New technology that boosts performance to more effectively meet customer needs is phased in as it becomes practical, meeting an acceptable technology readiness level. [7]
One of the most significant development has been the emergence of phased-array radar systems. [5] These systems use multiple antenna elements electronically steered to scan the airspace, offering superior agility and faster update rates compared to traditional rotodome antennas. This translates to real-time weather data, crucial for time-sensitive decision-making in the cockpit. By combining weather data with real-time aircraft position information, pilots can make informed decisions about rerouting or adjusting flight paths to avoid hazardous weather conditions. [6]
1 Figure 1. Airplane with Airborne Phased Array Antenna
2. State of the Art : Phased Array Antennas
The principle of this antenna is based on the effect of interference, i.e. a phase-dependent superposition of two or (usually) several radiation sources. It can be observed that in-phase amplify each other and counter-phase signals cancel each other out. So, if two radiators emit a signal in the same phase shift, a superposition is achieved - the signal is amplified in the main direction and attenuated in the secondary directions. Phased-array antennas offer a significant leap forward: Electronic Beam Steering: These antennas consist of multiple antenna elements controlled electronically. By adjusting the phase shift of the signal fed to each element, the radar can steer the beam electronically in any direction without mechanical movement. Faster Scanning: This allows for rapid adjustment of the beam direction, enabling much faster scanning of the airspace compared to rotodome antennas. Pilots receive weather data updates more frequently, enhancing situational awareness. Improved Beam Control: The precise control over the beam allows for shaping and steering it towards specific areas of interest, like weather formations ahead of the flight path. Simultaneous Multi-Beam Generation: Phased arrays can generate multiple beams simultaneously, covering a wider area of the airspace compared to a single beam from a rotodome. This reduces blind spots and improves overall weather detection. Calculation of the phase shift How large must be the phase shift x = Δ φ from one radiator to the next radiator to achieve a desired deflection angle? A linear arrangement of isotropic single radiators is considered.
Between the radiators, between the respective beam of the deflection angle with the applied phase shift, a right-angled triangle can be drawn, whose shorter side lies on the beam. The hypotenuse is the distance between two radiators. The third side is an auxiliary line perpendicular to the beam direction of the previous radiator.
Figure 1. Graphic derivation of the formula [8]
2 x = d · sin ΘS (1) This distance x can be set in relation to the wavelength: 360° / Δφ = λ / x (2) Δ φ = phase shift between two successive elements d = distance between the radiating elements Θ s = beam steering Both (1) & (2) together form, Δφ = ( φ* d * sin(θ)) / λ (3)
2. Conclusion
In conclusion, Phased-array antennas represent a revolutionary leap forward in airplane
weather surveillance radar technology. Their ability to electronically steer beams rapidly, offering real-time weather updates and superior agility, enhances flight safety significantly. By providing pilots with a clearer picture of hazardous weather phenomena like wind shear and turbulence, phased-array antennas empower them to make informed decisions and navigate around dangerous conditions. This advancement paves the way for a future of safer and more efficient air travel.
References: [1] E. Melo et al., "Evolution of Airport Weather Radars: A Review," IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 1046-1064, April 2012. [accessed Apr 14 2024].
[2] M. A. Richards, "Fundamentals of Radar Signal Processing," 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, 2004, Chapter 3: Radar Systems and Performance Analysis. [accessed Apr 14 2024].
[3] J. D. Ketchum and S. M. Riggins, "Impact of Solid-State Transmitters on Weather Radar
Performance," IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, vol. 41, no. 8, pp. 1889-1896, Aug. 2003. [accessed Apr 14 2024].
[4] D. M. Pozar, "Microwave Engineering," 4th ed., John Wiley & Sons, 2012. [accessed Apr 14 2024].
[6] J. E. Evans and M. W. Maier, "Integration of Weather Radar Data with ADS-B for Enhanced Situational Awareness in the Cockpit," 2012 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics (SMC), pp. 1722-1727, Oct. 2012. [accessed Apr 14 2024]. [7] Pendergast, Stephen. (2015). Recent Advances in Radar Technology. Microwave Journal. 2015. 6-28. [accessed Apr 16 2024]. [8] Wolff, C. Phased Array Antenna [Online]. Available: https://www.radartutorial.eu/06.antennas/Phased%20Array%20Antenna.en.html [accessed Apr 16 2024].
