A concept for measuring the water-surface backscattering signature by airborne weather radar

摘要

A concept for measuring the water-surface backscattering signature using the airborne weather radar, in addition to its standard meteorological and navigation applications, is discussed. The airborne weather radar operates in the ground-mapping mode in the range of high to medium incidence angles as a scatterometer. A case of two-stage rectilinear track flight measurement with a 180° aircraft turn between the stages is considered. Some limitations and recommendations to perform the measurement are presented.