Performance analysis of China dual-F requency airborne precipitation radar

The prototypes of China´s Ku- and Ka-band PR have been successfully manufactured, and the first airborne field campaign conducted. Measurement data obtained in the field campaign have been processed to validate the radar performance. Comparisons of the measured radar backscattering cross section between ADPR and TRMM PR over sea and precipitation data between airborne radar and ground-based weather radar/mobile ground-based meteorological radar/TRMM PR have been made to validate ADPR´s ability in precipitation detection. Important radar performance indices are evaluated using the field campaign datasets. The overall performance shows the dual-frequency airborne PR is qualified for the development of future dual-frequency spaceborne radar in China. The sensitivities and range resolutions of both Ku-band and Ka-band PRs are satisfying, and the sidelobe in pulse compression mode as well as the dynamic range in short-pulse mode of Ka-band PR can be improved. Future work will focus on furthering the performance analysis and improving the performance indices of the spaceborne PR.