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At least 19 records

Meteorological radar methods for validating space observations of precipitation

Meteorological approaches to verification of space measurements of rainfall are examined; validation of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) observations is expected to depend significantly on ground-based radars. Two methods of comparison are initially contemplated. TRMM rainfall data over time periods of a month for large areas (500 x 500 km) are averaged and compared with similarly averaged ground truth measurements. Both the rainfall and height distribution data from TRMM are compared with the instantaneous values observed at one or more 'ground truth' stations and from airborne radar and radiometers as available.

Thiele, Otto W.↗

A radar method of calibrating airspeed installations on airplanes in maneuvers at high altitudes and at transonic and supersonic speeds

A method of calibrating the static-pressure source of a pitot static airspeed installation on an airplane in level flight, dives, and other maneuvers at high altitude and at transonic and supersonic speeds is described. The method principally involves the use of radar-phototheodolite tracking equipment. The various sources of error in the method are discussed and sample calibrations are included.

Zalovcik, John A↗

Methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis of bird migration with a tracking radar

Methods of analyzing bird migration by using tracking radar are discussed. The procedure for assessing the rate of bird passage is described. Three topics are presented concerning the grouping of nocturnal migrants, the velocity of migratory flight, and identification of species by radar echoes. The height and volume of migration under different weather conditions are examined. The methods for studying the directions of migration and the correlation between winds and the height and direction of migrating birds are presented.

Bruderer, B.↗

NUSAT 1 methods for radar field strength measurement

The methods for obtaining the gain pattern of an Air Traffic Control Radar using the data collected by NUSAT 1 are presented. The basic equations for this are given; these require an independently determined satellite attitude. In addition we show how simultaneous measurements made by separate channels can be related to obtain a single axis attitude, i.e., the direction of propagation of the incident radiation, and the power density of the radiation. This is done by solving a system of three algebraic equations.

Talaga, Paul↗

Methods of radar studies of the moon and the planets from spacecraft

Radar studies of the moon and planets from the earth have been valuable but limited in comparison to radar studies from spacecraft. Autonomous and non-autonomous methods of radar research from space satellites and probes are considered. Results of both the Luna and Surveyor series of lunar spacecraft are presented. It is concluded that use of radar in spacecraft allows valuable, high resolution measurement even near the limb and on the back side of the moon.

Krupenio, N. N.↗

The outlook for precipitation measurements from space

To provide useful precipitation measurements from space, two requirements must be met: adequate spatial and temporal sampling of the storm and sufficient accuracy in the estimate of precipitation intensity. Although presently no single instrument or method completely satisfies both requirements, the visible/IR, microwave radiometer and radar methods can be used in a complementary manner. Visible/IR instruments provide good temporal sampling and rain area depiction, but recourse must be made to microwave measurements for quantitative rainfall estimates. The inadequacy of microwave radiometer measurements over land suggests, in turn, the use of radar. Several recently developed attenuating-wavelength radar methods are discussed in terms of their accuracy, dynamic range and system implementation. Traditionally, the requirements of high resolution and adequate dynamic range led to fairly costly and complex radar systems. Some simplications and cost reduction can be made; however, by using K-band wavelengths which have the advantages of greater sensitivity at the low rain rates and higher resolution capabilities. Several recently proposed methods of this kind are reviewed in terms of accuracy and system implementation. Finally, an adaptive-pointing multi-sensor instrument is described that would exploit certain advantages of the IR, radiometric and radar methods.

Atlas, D.↗

Flight Calibration of four airspeed systems on a swept-wing airplane at Mach numbers up to 1.04 by the NACA radar-phototheodolite method

The calibrations of four airspeed systems installed in a North American F-86A airplane have been determined in flight at Mach numbers up to 1.04 by the NACA radar-phototheodolite method. The variation of the static-pressure error per unit indicated impact pressure is presented for three systems typical of those currently in use in flight research, a nose boom and two different wing-tip booms, and for the standard service system installed in the airplane. A limited amount of information on the effect of airplane normal-force coefficient on the static-pressure error is included. The results are compared with available theory and with results from wind-tunnel tests of the airspeed heads alone. Of the systems investigated, a nose-boom installation was found to be most suitable for research use at transonic and low supersonic speeds because it provided the greatest sensitivity of the indicated Mach number to a unit change in true Mach number at very high subsonic speeds, and because it was least sensitive to changes in airplane normal-force coefficient. The static-pressure error of the nose-boom system was small and constant above a Mach number of 1.03 after passage of the fuselage bow shock wave over the airspeed head.

Thompson, Jim Rogers↗