1. After Dual Pol – What’s Next for the WSR-88D?
Jessica Schultz, NWS Radar Focal Point
Marty Williams, Steven D. Smith, Joe Chrisman, and Dan Frashier
Radar Operations Center

2. NEXRAD Program Majority deployed in early-mid 90s
Original life expectancy
Dual pol last major upgrade
Focus on tuning data, algorithms
Improve calibration process
Keep system viable through at least 2030

3. NEXRAD SLEP: 2015-2022 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP)
4 independent projects
Signal Processor
Transmitter
Pedestal
Equipment Shelters

4. MESO-SAILS Follow-on to SAILS (deployed 2014) Currently field testing
Deployment nationwide Spring/Summer 2016
Up to 3 additional 0.5° cuts
VCP 12 or 212
With AVSET, 0.5° cuts every 75 seconds
Improves lead time for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes

5. VCP Changes Currently 9 VCPs User community supports common angles
Field: Reduce number of VCPs
Less frequently used: 11, 211, 221
Less vertical coverage: 21, 221
User community supports common angles
VCP 12, 212 as model
Replace 11, 211, 21, 221 with new VCP 215
Introduce new clear-air VCP 35
Deployment Build 18 (Spring 2017)

7. VCP 215 General Surveillance Same elevations as VCP 12/212 below 10°
Same vertical coverage as VCP 11/ above 10°
Same data quality as VCP 21
Duration: ~6 mins
AVSET & 1 SAILS cut

9. VCP 35 Clear-Air More angles than 31/32
Based on low-level elevations of VCP 12/212
Duration: ~7 mins
May eventually replace VCP 32
1 SAILS cut

10. VCP Sequencing Pattern of volumes
More frequently sample specific elevations
Short volume scan (0.5°-2.4°) between two full volume scans
Early testing to support QLCS interrogation
Possible field test Summer 2017

11. NWS Internal Changes Redesign HCI
AWIPS control to change VCP, invoke AVSET/SAILS

12. Radar Beyond 2030 Several options to consider Maintain WSR-88D MPAR
Other alternatives?

13. Jessica Schultz Jessica.A.Schultz@noaa.gov
Thanks!
Jessica Schultz