Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of radar is primarily used in airborne weather radars?
What type of radar is primarily used in airborne weather radars?
Which color zone on an airborne weather radar typically indicates areas of greatest turbulence?
Which color zone on an airborne weather radar typically indicates areas of greatest turbulence?
Which phenomenon is least likely to be detected by airborne weather radar?
Which phenomenon is least likely to be detected by airborne weather radar?
What wavelength is most effective for weather penetration according to airborne weather radar systems?
What wavelength is most effective for weather penetration according to airborne weather radar systems?
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If an airborne weather radar uses a 4° beam with a wavelength of 3 cm, what is the diameter of the parabolic dish?
If an airborne weather radar uses a 4° beam with a wavelength of 3 cm, what is the diameter of the parabolic dish?
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What does a side lobe from the aerial of a weather radar typically indicate?
What does a side lobe from the aerial of a weather radar typically indicate?
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At what approximate height would the top of a cloud be if it disappears from radar when tilted up to 3°?
At what approximate height would the top of a cloud be if it disappears from radar when tilted up to 3°?
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What does a bright red echo on a color radar indicate?
What does a bright red echo on a color radar indicate?
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What is the maximum detection range for a 1 NM wide opening using a weather radar with a beam width of 4°?
What is the maximum detection range for a 1 NM wide opening using a weather radar with a beam width of 4°?
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Under what conditions can ground checks of an airborne weather radar be performed?
Under what conditions can ground checks of an airborne weather radar be performed?
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In which frequency band do most airborne weather radars operate?
In which frequency band do most airborne weather radars operate?
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What does a single line on the display indicate when the Airborne Weather Radar is switched on?
What does a single line on the display indicate when the Airborne Weather Radar is switched on?
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How is increasing severity of rain and turbulence represented on a colour cathode ray tube (CRT) in Airborne Weather Radar?
How is increasing severity of rain and turbulence represented on a colour cathode ray tube (CRT) in Airborne Weather Radar?
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Which of the following is a complete list of airborne weather radar antenna stabilisation axes?
Which of the following is a complete list of airborne weather radar antenna stabilisation axes?
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In terms of gyro stabilisation, which axes are typical for Airborne Weather Radar?
In terms of gyro stabilisation, which axes are typical for Airborne Weather Radar?
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In which operation mode does the airborne weather radar utilize a cosecant radiation pattern?
In which operation mode does the airborne weather radar utilize a cosecant radiation pattern?
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Which mode should be selected when the AWR transmitter is switched on before take-off, with the scanner tilted up?
Which mode should be selected when the AWR transmitter is switched on before take-off, with the scanner tilted up?
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Which mode of operation is most suitable for detecting long range ground features with AWR?
Which mode of operation is most suitable for detecting long range ground features with AWR?
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What frequency is commonly used for airborne weather radar?
What frequency is commonly used for airborne weather radar?
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How will severe turbulence appear on the AWR display?
How will severe turbulence appear on the AWR display?
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What is the purpose of the ISO-ECHO facility in an airborne weather radar?
What is the purpose of the ISO-ECHO facility in an airborne weather radar?
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What tilt orientation should an AWR scanner have to receive returns from clouds at or above your level with a 5 deg beam width?
What tilt orientation should an AWR scanner have to receive returns from clouds at or above your level with a 5 deg beam width?
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Why is the AWR transmitter not typically activated while on the ground?
Why is the AWR transmitter not typically activated while on the ground?
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Which set of phenomena cannot be detected by weather radar?
Which set of phenomena cannot be detected by weather radar?
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What is the optimum frequency for airborne weather radar systems?
What is the optimum frequency for airborne weather radar systems?
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What advantage do slotted antennas provide in modern radar technology?
What advantage do slotted antennas provide in modern radar technology?
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What colours are used on a conventional AWR to indicate increasing intensity of returns?
What colours are used on a conventional AWR to indicate increasing intensity of returns?
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Which color on the Airborne Weather Radar screen typically indicates areas of greatest turbulence?
Which color on the Airborne Weather Radar screen typically indicates areas of greatest turbulence?
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What is the general rule for operating airborne weather radar equipment while on the ground?
What is the general rule for operating airborne weather radar equipment while on the ground?
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Which piece of equipment operates based on primary radar principles?
Which piece of equipment operates based on primary radar principles?
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What primarily determines the theoretical maximum range for an Airborne Weather Radar?
What primarily determines the theoretical maximum range for an Airborne Weather Radar?
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Before commencing a flight, what should be done with the weather radar?
Before commencing a flight, what should be done with the weather radar?
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Weather radar assists pilots in detecting and avoiding which of the following?
Weather radar assists pilots in detecting and avoiding which of the following?
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What is the diameter of the parabolic dish for an airborne weather radar that transmits a 5° beam with a wavelength of 4 cm?
What is the diameter of the parabolic dish for an airborne weather radar that transmits a 5° beam with a wavelength of 4 cm?
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What does a height ring in weather radar systems help to determine?
What does a height ring in weather radar systems help to determine?
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If a cloud is detected at a range of 60 miles with a 5° beam and the echo disappears when tilted, what is the height of the cloud relative to the aeroplane's cruising level?
If a cloud is detected at a range of 60 miles with a 5° beam and the echo disappears when tilted, what is the height of the cloud relative to the aeroplane's cruising level?
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On a colour radar, where is the greatest turbulence most likely found?
On a colour radar, where is the greatest turbulence most likely found?
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Which factors primarily influence the detection of clouds by an airborne weather radar (AWR)?
Which factors primarily influence the detection of clouds by an airborne weather radar (AWR)?
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When the scale of a weather radar is changed from 100 NM to 50 NM, the depiction of a squall at 50 NM should:
When the scale of a weather radar is changed from 100 NM to 50 NM, the depiction of a squall at 50 NM should:
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The use of a wavelength of approximately 3 cm in airborne weather radar systems is primarily for which purpose?
The use of a wavelength of approximately 3 cm in airborne weather radar systems is primarily for which purpose?
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Which cloud type is most easily detected by airborne weather radar?
Which cloud type is most easily detected by airborne weather radar?
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In the MAPPING MODE, the airborne weather radar primarily uses which type of beam?
In the MAPPING MODE, the airborne weather radar primarily uses which type of beam?
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When is the pencil shaped beam of airborne weather radar preferred over mapping mode?
When is the pencil shaped beam of airborne weather radar preferred over mapping mode?
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In Mapping mode, the cosecant beam enhances which capability of the radar?
In Mapping mode, the cosecant beam enhances which capability of the radar?
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To determine if a cloud return is at or above an aircraft's height, the tilt control should be set to:
To determine if a cloud return is at or above an aircraft's height, the tilt control should be set to:
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The ASMR operates in which band and what is its typical antenna rotation speed?
The ASMR operates in which band and what is its typical antenna rotation speed?
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If a bright line appears on the weather radar screen upon startup, this indicates that:
If a bright line appears on the weather radar screen upon startup, this indicates that:
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What is the approximate height of the cloud when the radar shows the top of it at 105 NM with a beam width of 5° and tilted up at 3.5°?
What is the approximate height of the cloud when the radar shows the top of it at 105 NM with a beam width of 5° and tilted up at 3.5°?
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Which frequency band is primarily used for most ATC and weather radars?
Which frequency band is primarily used for most ATC and weather radars?
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What is the primary purpose of the ISO-ECHO circuit in an AWR?
What is the primary purpose of the ISO-ECHO circuit in an AWR?
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If an AWR is set at 100 NM range and a large cloud appears at 50 NM, what will happen when the range is reduced to 50 NM?
If an AWR is set at 100 NM range and a large cloud appears at 50 NM, what will happen when the range is reduced to 50 NM?
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Which axes does the AWR stabilize in?
Which axes does the AWR stabilize in?
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When can the AWR be operated on the ground?
When can the AWR be operated on the ground?
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What approximate height corresponds with a cloud when the tilt angle is 4° and beam width is 5°, at a range of 40 NM?
What approximate height corresponds with a cloud when the tilt angle is 4° and beam width is 5°, at a range of 40 NM?
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In an AWR, which indication represents areas of greatest turbulence?
In an AWR, which indication represents areas of greatest turbulence?
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What advantage does the cosecant squared beam provide for mapping in AWR?
What advantage does the cosecant squared beam provide for mapping in AWR?
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Why do airborne weather radars use a frequency of approximately 9 GHz?
Why do airborne weather radars use a frequency of approximately 9 GHz?
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Study Notes
Airborne Weather Radar (AWR) Overview
- Most airborne weather radars operate in the SHF (Super High Frequency) band.
- A single bright line on the display indicates that the antenna is not scanning.
- Increasing severity of rain and turbulence is shown by color transitions from green to yellow to red on a color CRT.
Radar Functionality
- AWR antennas are gyro-stabilized in pitch and roll.
- AWR operates in Mapping mode using a cosecant radiation pattern for efficient ground mapping.
- The AWR can detect cloud formations, influenced by the size of water droplets and wavelength/frequency used.
Operational Characteristics
- In Mapping mode, AWR utilizes a fan-shaped beam effective up to 50-60 NM.
- Light intensity returns and turbulence severity are represented through color coding, with colors transitioning from green, amber to red.
- Tilt adjustments for the radar scanner determine the return signal, with a tilt of 2.5° up optimal for detecting cloud returns at or above aircraft level.
Technical Specifications
- AWR operates at a frequency of approximately 9375 MHz.
- Heavy concentrations of water droplets yield strong radar returns, indicating precipitation.
- The size of the radar beam and channel frequency affects the radar's ability to distinguish between cloud types and detect various weather patterns.
Detection Capabilities
- Cumulus clouds are most readily detected by AWR while using the weather beam.
- The iso-echo feature helps identify areas of possible turbulence, focusing on contrasts in return signals.
- Detection of clear air turbulence is less effective than precipitation-induced turbulence.
Safety and Operation Guidelines
- AWR transmitters should not be operated on the ground due to potential health risks from radiated energy.
- Ground checks of the AWR must follow specific health and safety regulations to protect personnel.
- The use of AWR in different modes assists pilots in navigating around weather phenomena and turbulence areas effectively.
Beam Characteristics and Measurement
- Beam width and orientation are critical for effective radar readings; a 5° beam is standard for AWR.
- The maximum range for detecting opening in geography depends on the radar beam's angle and the distance to feature, with performance related to beam width and dish diameter.
- AWR is generally effective for mapping when distinguishing terrain and related features.
Conclusion
- Understanding the operational modes, detection capabilities, and safety guidelines for AWR enhances pilots' navigation and response to weather during flight.
- Continuous monitoring of radar displays provides crucial information about turbulence, precipitation, and other environmental conditions affecting flight safety.
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Description
Test your knowledge on airborne weather radar technology with this quiz. Covering various aspects such as frequency bands and equipment functionalities, it’s designed for aviation students and professionals. Challenge yourself and review essential information regarding AWR systems.
