System Summary; Type Of Radar Bands - Furuno WR2120 Installation Manual

1. SYSTEM SUMMARY

RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) developed during World War II as a method to detect the
presence of ships and aircraft (the military considered weather targets as noise). Since WWII, there
have been many advances in radar technology (e.g., Doppler techniques). It is used on land, sea,
and in space for both research and operational needs.

1.1. Type of Radar Bands

There are several different categories according to the wavelength of using on radar in the world.
Type of bands are L, S, C, X, and K band.
L band radars: "L" for "long". This band is mostly used for clear air turbulence studies. It
S band radars: "S" for "short". It is not easily attenuated and is useful for near and long range
C band radars: "C" for "compromise". The dish size does not need to as large so it is more
X band radars: "X" is derived from the XX2 secret band. It uses smaller wavelength, is more
K band radars: "K" for "kurz (German for short). This band is split down the middle due to a
operates on 15-30 cm wavelength and a frequency of 1-2 GHz.
weather observation. It operates on 8-15 cm wavelength and a frequency of 2-4
GHz. Some weather services use it on a wavelength of just over 10 cm. The
drawback to this band of radar is that it requires a large antenna dish and large,
complex motors to power it. It is not uncommon for an S band dish to exceed
7.62 m in diameter.
affordable for TV stations. It operates on 4-8 cm wavelength and a frequency of
4-8 GHz. It is best used for shorter range weather observation because the
signal is more easily attenuated by dry weather and rain. The frequency allows C
band radars to create a narrower beam width using a smaller dish. C band
radars also do not require as much power as an S band radar.
sensitive and can detect smaller particles. It operates on 2.5-4 cm wavelength
and a frequency of 8-12 GHz. These radars are used for studies of cloud
development because they can detect the tiny water particles and also used to
detect light precipitation such as snow. X band radars also attenuate very easily
so they are used for only shorter range weather observation. Also due to the
small size of the radar it can easily transported, like the "Doppler on Wheels"
radar. Most commercial airplanes are equipped with X band radar to pick up
turbulence and other weather phenomenon.
strong absorption line in water vapor and it is similar to the X band but is just
more sensitive. It operates on 0.75-1.2 cm or 1.7-2.5 cm wavelength and a
corresponding frequency of 27-40 GHz and 12-18 GHz.
Figure 1.1: 3 general types of weather radar band
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