Extend the life of FAA's NEXRAD to 2030 and beyond. The NEXRAD program will have four main purposes: They received a favorable Final Investment Decision for NEXRAD on September 19, 2012, and established a new cost and schedule baseline. The Tri-Agency partners - NWS, DoD, and FAA - plan to keep NEXRAD in full operation through 2030. Additional investment into these algorithms is necessary to provide anticipated benefits. In-flight icing and hail detection algorithms have enhanced overall data quality in present-day NEXRAD. They reduce weather-related arrival and departure delays, which saves fuel consumption. NEXRAD systems increase aviation safety with accurate and timely detection of hazardous weather conditions. A cooperative program with the partner agencies will upgrade NEXRAD radars with a Service Life Extension Program to modernize and renovate the existing system of radars. NEXRAD radars are essential for forecasting weather. FAA's Weather and Radar Processor, Integrated Terminal Weather System, and the Corridor Integrated Weather System process NEXRAD products and services. The NWS collects and redistributes NEXRAD weather data from radars it operates as well as some of FAA's 12 radars and creates forecasts that are used in all phases of flight. This weather information provides the location, time of arrival, and severity of weather conditions to determine the best routing for aircraft. NEXRAD systems are Doppler weather radars that detect and produce over 100 different long-range and high-altitude weather observations and products, including areas of precipitation, winds, and thunderstorms. Through a joint program, the Department of Commerce’s National Weather Service (NWS), Department of Defense (DoD), and FAA developed NEXRAD. NEXRAD detects, processes, and distributes for display hazardous and routine weather information. Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations.Critical Infrastructure & Public Venues.Certificated Remote Pilots including Commercial Operators.Legislation & Policies, Regulations & Guidance.Data & Research Subnav: Data & Research 1.Airport Safety Information Video Series.Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Program.Airport Coronavirus Response Grant Program.General Aviation & Recreational Aircraft.Vintage & Experimental Aircraft Program.Aviation Safety Draft Documents Open for Comment.“(366th OSS) are continuing the legacy of innovation and leading the way. Additionally, allowing upgrades on NEXRAD mutually benefits the Air Force and public. Knight went on to explain the overarching goal of implementing PDRs is ensuring continual safety management and 24/7 readiness. “In that area, we can see incoming storms, rain data and wind fields, which can be interpreted to determine whether or not conditions are safe for flight.” “The radar will allow us to see a radius of 60-80 nautical miles,” Knight said. Mountain Home AFB will be relying on the PDR for the next three weeks and sending the data to the Air Force and National Weather Service. The Air Force intends to use Mountain Home AFB’s experience with PDRs as the building block for future use across the U.S., Knight explained. “Though we are finding that they can be used effectively for (continental United States) operations and the rest of the Air Force is following our lead.” “PDRs are typically used for deployments down-range,” Knight said. Daniel Robinson, 2nd Combat Weather Systems Squadron weather systems trainer from Hurlburt Field, Florida. There are only two of these systems working in the United States, explained Staff. That is what made Mountain Home AFB officials push to find an innovative solution. Historically, May through July generate the most severe thunderstorms in Idaho, Knight explained. Brandon Knight, 366th Operation Support Squadron weather forecaster, said due to scheduled maintenance of the National Weather Service’s Next Generation Weather Radar, or NEXRAD, Mountain Home AFB would have been left without any weather forecasting capabilities, hindering the wing’s ability to maintain mission readiness. Mountain Home Air Force Base is the first to show how Portable Doppler Radars, or PDRs, can be used to support continental United States operations to fix this problem. Until recently, this often proved to be a challenge when local radars needed to undergo routine maintenance or upgrades. Keeping constant surveillance on weather patterns and their potential hazards is an important step in enhancing readiness and safety of Airmen. Fortunately, advanced radars with weather forecasting capabilities can mitigate the associated risks. Severe weather can adversely affect the safety of aircrew and Airmen working in the elements. Weather can be an unrelenting force and infamously fickle. MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (AFNS).
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