After Dual Pol – What’s Next for the

WSR-88D?Jessica Schultz,

NWS Radar Focal Point

Marty Williams, Steven D. Smith, Joe Chrisman, and Dan Frashier

Radar Operations Center

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NEXRAD Program

• Majority deployed in early-mid 90s– Original life expectancy

• Dual pol last major upgrade– Focus on tuning data, algorithms– Improve calibration process

• Keep system viable through at least 2030

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• Service Life Extension Program (SLEP)– 4 independent projects• Signal Processor• Transmitter• Pedestal• Equipment Shelters

NEXRAD SLEP: 2015-2022

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• Follow-on to SAILS (deployed 2014)• Currently field testing• Deployment nationwide Spring/Summer 2016– Up to 3 additional 0.5° cuts– VCP 12 or 212– With AVSET, 0.5° cuts every 75 seconds– Improves lead time for severe thunderstorms,

tornadoes

MESO-SAILS

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• Currently 9 VCPs– Field: Reduce number of VCPs– Less frequently used: 11, 211, 221– Less vertical coverage: 21, 221

• User community supports common angles– VCP 12, 212 as model

• Replace 11, 211, 21, 221 with new VCP 215• Introduce new clear-air VCP 35• Deployment Build 18 (Spring 2017)

VCP Changes

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• General Surveillance• Same elevations as VCP 12/212 below 10°• Same vertical coverage as VCP 11/211

above 10°• Same data quality as VCP 21• Duration: ~6 mins• AVSET & 1 SAILS cut

VCP 215

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• Clear-Air• More angles than 31/32• Based on low-level elevations of VCP 12/212• Duration: ~7 mins• May eventually replace VCP 32• 1 SAILS cut

VCP 35

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• Pattern of volumes– More frequently sample specific elevations

• Short volume scan (0.5°-2.4°) between two full volume scans

• Early testing to support QLCS interrogation• Possible field test Summer 2017

VCP Sequencing

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• Redesign HCI

• AWIPS control to change VCP, invoke AVSET/SAILS

NWS Internal Changes

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• Several options to consider– Maintain WSR-88D – MPAR– Other alternatives?

Radar Beyond 2030

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Jessica SchultzJessica.A.Schultz@noaa.gov

Thanks!