Weather and radar interactions

This paper discusses the effects of weather on radar system performance. This discussion were based on computer simulations and climatological data. The relationships between frequency and range were explored as they interact with the weather. This effort is being conducted in the RF Technology Division of the Applied Sensors, Guidance, and Electronics Directorate, US Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) on the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Although there is extensive work in this area, this paper presents the background in a condensed form and go into greater detail of the attenuation due to rainfall rates and cloud water content. The ground work for this effort was performed in a paper titled "Weather Clutter and Effects on Radar Systems", Joel P. Booth. This research is a continuation of that work. The goal is to uncover any data relating the attenuation or reflection from clouds verses the cloud liquid content. Another goal is to try and quantify attenuation due to rain fall rates. The data obtained from this effort will be used in the selection of new radar system parameters. The effects of weather impact the selection of operating frequency and modes. The results also effect the combination of modes in seeker system design to achieve the mission