Phase-Tilt Weather Radar: Calibration and preliminary results

The Phase-Tilt Weather Radar is an X-band (9.41GHz) phased array radar based on a novel, low-cost architecture that mechanically tilts in elevation and electronically scans in azimuth. This architecture has been developed specifically for low-cost, small-scale radar applications and in dense radar networks. The electronic scanning in azimuth combined with mechanical elevation tilt allow for increased scan speed at severely reduced maintenance costs. This paper presents the calibration and preliminary data results of the Phase-Tilt Weather Radar. Measurements from a severe thunderstorm in Amherst, MA, US will be presented, along with initial calibration analysis and tests performed. Analysis of the data indicates good weather sensitivity and dual polarimetric performance, commensurate with similarsized, mechanical X-band radars.