Operational Utilization of the AN/TPQ-11 Cloud Detection Radar
Operational Utilization of the AN/TPQ-11 Cloud Detection Radar

Author: Wilbur H. Paulsen

Publisher:

Published: 1970

Total Pages: 62

ISBN-13:

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Fifty-three AN/TPQ-11 Cloud Detection Radars were procured for Air Force use with most of these being installed at selected Air Force bases for operational use by the Air Weather Service detachments. As these sets are capable of furnishing a great deal of meteorological data that are not otherwise available, Air Weather Service requested AFCRL to conduct a study to determine the effect of geographical and seasonal variations on AN/TPQ-11 observations. Cloud height records obtained with the AN/TPQ-11 Cloud Detection Radar at eight widely separated Air Force Bases are analyzed for possible variations in interpretation that might be required as a function of geographical location an environment. The modes of operation of the sets necessary to obtain useful records with a maximum of information content are specified, and examples of records of the various types of meteorological situations are shown. Analyses of these records for their meteorological content are made, and a number of maintenance procedures are suggested that will assist in obtaining high quality records for analysis. (Author).

Cloud Detection Capability of Operational AN/TPQ-11 Radar Sets During 1966-1967
Cloud Detection Capability of Operational AN/TPQ-11 Radar Sets During 1966-1967

Author: Arthur J. Kantor

Publisher:

Published: 1968

Total Pages: 24

ISBN-13:

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Standard visual observations of cloud height have been compared with cloud data taken from the AN/TPQ-11 cloud detector, a vertically-pointing, fixed-beam radar set with a wavelength of 0.86 cm. Approximately six months of observations (1966 and 1967) were used at each of four USAF field stations (Yokota AB, Eglin AFB, Myrtle Beach AFB, and Scott AFB) between latitudes 30 degrees and 40 degrees N. Ability of these operational radars to detect clouds averaged 62 percent, which is considerably lower than the 85 percent value determined during development of the AN/TPQ-11 equipment. Consequently, current AN/TPQ-11 records appear to be severely limited as a means of reducing the bias now present in middle and high-cloud climatologies. It has been recommended that procedures be initiated to insure that operational AN/TPQ-11 cloud radars perform up to the capability indicated in earlier tests. Addendum A at the end of this report describes efforts to establish such procedures. (Author).