NWS, FAA Picks DUALDoppler Provider to Upgrade Radars

Polarimetric technology similar to that used by WRAL’s new DUALDoppler5000 will be added to the network of weather radars used by the National Weather Service, FAA and Department of Defense.

Posted 9:59 p.m. Oct 4, 2007 — Updated 5:12 p.m. Oct 8, 2007

Polarimetric technology similar to that used by WRAL’s new DUALDoppler5000 will be added to the network of weather radars used by the National Weather Service, FAA and Department of Defense.

Baron Services, through a partnership with L-3 Communications, is part of the team that was awarded the five-year, $43 million contract. Under the contract, Baron Services will provide design, development and production for a comprehensive system-wide upgrade of the 171 radars.

In September, WRAL launched DUALDoppler5000 on TV and its Web site. It is one of only six weather radars of its kind in use.

Unlike conventional radar systems, which transmit solely a horizontal scan, dual-polarimetric radars send out both vertical and horizontal polarized beams, and enable meteorologists to see twice as much data than they can with systems not employing this technique. They also provide more accurate information about the size, shape, orientation and state of precipitation.

Broadcast television stations that implement dual-polarimetric technology receive improved weather detail, achieve higher resolution imaging and increase the accuracy and precision in their forecasting

Suggest A Correction