FURUNO's high resolution, compact X-band Doppler Weather Radar has proven essential for forecasting localised weather disturbances and other specialised applications including fire and volcanic ash detection.

Recent serious threats to civilian lives due to localised heavy rains, larger tropical cyclones and other meteorological events have been increasing.

FURUNO, in close collaboration with many universities and other business organisations has developed Radar solutions for meteorological monitoring and analysis – including hail, ice, rain, snow, dust, volcanic ash detection.

This technology provides urban-scale warnings and forecasts for a range of public and private decision-makers that result in measurable benefit for public safety and the economy.

Furuno weather radars provide more detailed information to forecasters, including rainfall totals, better rainfall rates, possible rotation in clouds, hail formation and other weather features.

FURUNO's high resolution, compact X-band Doppler Weather Radar has proven essential for forecasting localised weather disturbances and other specialised applications including volcanic ash detection.

Also, researchers have used the WR2100 to provide unique, detailed information of bush fire plumes and wind speed/direction within the fire activity (RHI Scan showing horisontal and differential reflectivity).

With new tools and solutions specifically designed for weather forecasting and observation, FURUNO’s objective is to provide safety to individuals and their property by presenting highly detailed information of potential meteorological events.

The FURUNO weather radars are Compact (Φ980 mm radome), Lightweight (68kg tower top antenna unit) and compatible with regular AC power outlet (100-240 VAC, Single Phase, 50/60 Hz) - and can be installed fixed permanently on a mast/building, or configured for mobile installation on a vehicle/trailer. 

Model WR-2120: X-band Doppler weather radar (dual-polarisation)

Dual polarization doppler radar with high resolution weather data

The WR-2120 is our most advanced X-band Doppler weather radar. The dual polarization enables attenuation correction, increased detectability and expand the capability for a detailed high precision and localised weather detection. The radar uses doppler technology and gives accurate radial wind velocity measurements.

• Doppler and dual polarization with simultaneous transmission and receiving (STAR)
• Recovers intensity loss and attenuation caused by heavy rain for increased accuracy
• High sensitivity and high spatial resolution
• Detection of rainfall and radial wind
• Classification of rainfall type, intensity, wind and turbulence
• Solid State technology gives high reliability and low maintenance cost
• Among the lightest and most compact doppler weather radars on the market

Model: WR-110  X-band doppler weather radar (single-polarization)

Single polarization weather radar with high resolution presentation

The WR-110 use the same antenna as the WR-2120, but the vertical polarization – and processing channels are omitted. The result is a very cost-effective single polarization doppler weather radar, well suited for automatic operation.

• Doppler single polarization radar
• Detection of rainfall and radial wind
• Solid state technology gives high reliability and low maintenance
• Among the lightest and most compact doppler weather radars on the market
• Low power consumption

Check out this LIVE FURUNO WR2120 Doppler Radar feed from Tennessee Valley Weather in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee (USA)...
https://www.youtube.com/live/9xXOflOi8OM?feature=share
This dual polarimetric doppler radar is service serves Southern Middle Tennessee and Northwest Alabama. The system provides the local population with easy access to monitor for storms, viewed via YouTube or Mobile Phone App.

FURUNO Weather Radar Key Features:

• Solid-state X-Band Doppler Technology (9.4 GHz band)
• Single (Horizontal) Polarization model (WR110)
• Dual (Horizontal and Vertical) Polarimetric model (WR2120)
• Real-time data is displayed, while multiple elevation/sector scans are completed in one minute or less
• Fixed installation, temporary or mobile monitoring system options
• Stand-alone, or Multi-Radar Configuration for higher precision and reduced blind areas
• Networkable and internet ready – can be remotely controlled
• Compatible with regular AC power outlet (100-240 VAC, Single Phase, 50/60 Hz)
• Compact system (Φ980 mm radome)- Transport with a regular van, and fits in elevators
• Optional Vibration Isolator for safe relocation and transport
• Rugged Carbon Fibre Antenna Dish, with excellent shock vibration and mechanical stress durability
• Lightweight (68kg tower top antenna unit) - No heavy machinery needed to transport or install
• Simple and quick installation (1 network and 1 standard voltage cable). Can easily be installed by a two-person crew
• Reduced maintenance costs, Low power consumption and fewer required replacement parts
• Integration and outputs for 3rd Party Weather Software
• Particle Classification (Hail/Rain/Snow) optional with WR2120 data such (Particle Uniformity Assessment and Aspect Ratio Measurement)
• Maximum Wind Survival Speed of up to 90m/s

Key Applications:

Numerous examples of application/implementation

• Urban-scale nowcasting systems (flood control and hydrology sensing)
• Disaster Management: Hydrometeor identification with accurate rainfall detection
• Wildfire detection and tracking
• Volcanic Rain and Tephra/Ash Monitoring and Alerting
• Water Management (River and Dam and Water and Sewerage)
• Low level wind sensing via Triple-Doppler Wind detection, including Tornado monitoring
• Road, Railway and Port: Transportation monitoring
• Agriculture monitoring (crop protection)
• Airport meteorological monitoring for administration / management
• University/Tertiary Weather, Hydrology and Forecast Research – including mobile observation platform monitoring
• Mining – rainfall monitoring
• Hydro stations
• Tourism: Snowfall monitoring
• Fixed Offshore Platform – Squall monitoring

Contact Dave James for further information: davej@enl.co.nz