Development of a 95-GHz airborne cloud profiling radar (SPIDER) - Technical aspects

An airborne cloud profiling radar (SPIDER) which has several unique feature s has been developed at CRL. In this paper, the objectives and design consi derations are outlined, and the system is described. The features of SPIDER are summarized below. (1) A W-band frequency (95 GHz) is used to provide v ery high sensitivity to small cloud particles. (2) The radar; is carried by a jet aircraft that can fly high above most clouds. (3) Full-polarimetric and Doppler capabilities are incorporated in the unit. (4) Almost all radar operational parameters are under software control, and most processing is in real time. (5) Thf design gives consideration to the study of cloud radi ation and microphysics. The system has been completed and is still undergoi ng performance testing. The functions and performance of the SPIDER system are currently fulfilling the intentions of its design. Several interesting cloud features that had not been seen with previous instruments have alread y been observed.