Polarimetric Calibration of a Dual-Polarization Phased Array Weather Radar

Phased array weather radars allow for fast and agile scanning which can improve the temporal resolution of meteorological data and allows for the development of multifunction radars. However, electronic scan angle dependent power and phase introduced by electronic beam steering as well as dual-polarization performance of phased array antennas is a challenge in developing polarimetric phased array weather radars. Front-X is an X-band dual-polarization phased array weather radar capable of both electronic and mechanical beam steering which can be used to validate electronic scan data against mechanical scan data. Additionally, the system can be used to explore and measure the differences between electronic and mechanical scan data. This paper presents a description of Front-X and an automated electronic scan calibration mode implemented in the system which generates corrections that account for power and phase differences between electronic and mechanical scan data. Finally, the system and the electronic scan corrections are demonstrated through a comparison of mechanical scan and electronic scan data, as well as a comparison to the co-located and proven CHILL X-band radar.