Technical Aspects of 205 MHz VHF Mini Wind Profiler Radar for Tropospheric Probing

Wind profiler radars (WPRs) are the state-of-the-art technology used for continuous remote sensing of 3-D wind structures from near surfaces to a height of about 20 km. Depending on the magnitude of atmospheric turbulence, the size, power, and frequency of the radar can vary. In this letter, the technical aspects of the design and the development of a 205-MHz very high frequency WPR installed at Cochin (10.04° N, 76.33° E), India, for troposphere and lower stratospheric studies in the tropical monsoon region are presented. The stratosphere-troposphere (ST) radar at Cochin is unique because it is the first WPR in the world operating at 205 MHz with a bandwidth of 5 MHz. The mini WPR with 49 three-element Yagi-Uda antennas at 205 MHz is working successfully and providing accurate wind measurements from 1 to 3.5-8 km, depending on atmospheric conditions. WPR data are comparable with collocated high-resolution Global Positioning System radiosonde observations. The main ST radar with 619 antenna elements is in the installation stage and is expected to be operational within a period of six months.