Advanced Meteorological & Observation Systems

Revolutionizing radar applications with next-generation solid-state radars

Traditionally, ships at sea have been outfitted with marine radars that utilize magnetrons to produce radio waves. Recently, however, there has been a global shift towards solid-state technology, where radars employ solid components like semiconductors to create radio waves. Furuno's advancement in solid-state technology and its practical application have introduced even more distinctive features, promising to provide increasingly beneficial and innovative solutions.

Drawing on its knowledge in maritime technology, miniaturization, and solid-state physics, Furuno has created one of the lightest and most compact Doppler weather radars in the world.

Unlike traditional large-scale systems, Furuno's compact weather radar can be installed in hard-to-reach locations, such as the rooftops of tall buildings or mountainous regions. By detecting raindrops early within cumulonimbus clouds and low-level clouds that are too low for large-scale meteorological radars, we can develop more effective alert systems for torrential rains and tornadoes.

"Our weather radars are compact, lightweight, and easy to install and transport, making it possible to install them in mountainous areas, remote islands, and other areas where conventional large weather radars are difficult to install. In addition, by constructing a multi-radar system using multiple weather radars, it is possible to complement each other's observation areas that would otherwise be missed by a single weather radar. Furthermore, the radars are cost-competitive and have been introduced to least developed countries, local governments, research institutes, and private companies that have been unable to introduce weather radar systems in the past. It is used not only to support transportation infrastructure and sewage systems through high-precision weather observation, but also for research and studies for a wide range of purposes, including volcanic eruption monitoring and wildfires."

Furuno developped two X-band weather Doppler radars: the WR110, which is single polarimetric, and the WR2120, which is dual polarimetric.

The WR110 is highly effective for standard rain monitoring, while the WR2120 offers advanced capabilities, such as three-dimensional analysis of intense precipitation from cumulonimbus clouds and predicting localized rainfall.

By integrating multiple WR2120 and WR110 Radars into a multi-radar system, it is possible to achieve real-time 3D monitoring of weather phenomena with a cost-effective investment.

Compact, lightweight and solid-state

Our weather radars employ solid-state technology, which lowers both operating and maintenance expenses due to its low power usage and reduced need for replacement parts. Additionally, this technology offers precise precipitation monitoring with extensive signal processing and data format options.

Simple and quick installation

Our weather radar does not require heavy machinery for transportation or installation. A team of two people can easily set it up. It operates on a standard AC power outlet, similar to those used for household appliances (100V/200V). The radar can be installed almost anywhere without the need for special structures or configurations.

Safe relocation, easy transportation

A variety of transportation choices can be used including pickup, trailer, and small trucks. Optional heading sensor for azimuth adjustment, vibration isolator for secure relocation and transport and case are available for convenient transportation.

Used for large radar (S/C-band) supplement

Furuno X-band radars can enhance, support, and cover areas that other global weather surveillance radars are unable to reach.

Multi-radar system for wide areas and blind area coverage

Expanding the number of radars allows for broader area coverage. Additionally, when radars are deployed in the same location, their observational data can be integrated, which enhances accuracy and offers vector Doppler velocities along with improved three-dimensional imaging.

Various data format compatibilities

The following data formats are available for major software packages such as Baron Lynx and Vaisala IRIS Focus: CF/Radial, Opera Odim HDF5, CF-compliant NetCDF (rain only) Grib2 (rain only).

Detection of rain clouds and rainfall

Weather radar transmits radio waves to determine the location of rain clouds, and the intensity of rainfall, by measuring the strength of the echo and the time it takes for a reflected wave to return.
Data measurement in three-dimensions

Ou weather radar operates within a small dome, rotating and transmitting similarly to the radar antennas found on ships. However, unlike marine radar, with each full 360-degree rotation, the scanning angle of a weather radar increases, allowing for a three-dimensional view of the sky.
Dual polarimetric Doppler radar for accurate calculation of rainfall intensity

A single Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radar uses horizontal waves, while a Dual Polarimetric Radar uses both horizontal and vertical waves, allowing for more accurate rain intensity calculations by measuring raindrop size.
Wind gust detection with multiple radars

Doppler weather radar uses the Doppler principle to monitor sea winds with high resolution, providing crucial alerts for rapid response, effectively preventing wind damage in storm-prone areas by detecting dangerous weather.

The strength of a reflected wave is influenced by the wave's height. Because oil is more viscous than seawater, an oil-covered surface makes it more difficult for radio waves to be effectively reflected.

Consequently, radar signals appear weaker. Furuno Oil Radars employ a specialized algorithm to clearly display these areas. Surfaces affected by oil spills are automatically detected and shown on the monitor.

FOIL-200 oil spill detection radar is compatible with standard Furuno FAR-15x8, FAR-2xx7, FAR-2xx8 or FAR-3000, FAR-3005 X-band navigation radar.

Comprehensive Oil Detection for Marine and Land Applications

Our advanced oil spill detection system integrates seamlessly with standard navigation radar, making it suitable for both offshore and onshore environments. It can be installed on vessels, oil rigs, or any platform requiring precise oil spill monitoring.

Efficient Spill Identification and Documentation
The system automatically identifies oil spills and outlines them with polygons for easy visualization. Users can also manually adjust these markers and update them as needed. For documentation and training, screenshots and raw radar video recordings can be saved to external storage devices.

Advanced Video Processing and Analysis

The FOIL-200 system leverages raw radar video from navigation systems, employing a sophisticated algorithm to detect oil spills effectively. Users can switch between various Fusion modes to optimize image clarity and view results in real-time. The system generates detailed images by integrating multiple radar scans, using motion-compensated Fusion techniques. Adjustments to the Fusion Scan number and mode enhance detection accuracy.

Furuno's Ice Radar leverages the principle of refractivity to enhance navigation in icy waters. When radio waves hit unbroken ice, they are typically reflected back weakly to the antenna. However, when the ice is cracked or uneven, the waves scatter, resulting in a stronger signal.

This radar solution is specifically engineered to accurately display echoes from these broken ice areas, enabling users to quickly and intuitively determine optimal routes. Additionally, Furuno's advanced signal processing capabilities allow the radar to double as a navigation tool, ensuring safe and efficient travel through icy conditions.

FICE-100 ice detection radar is compatible with standard Furuno FAR-15x8, FAR-2xx7, FAR-2xx8 or FAR-3000, FAR-3005 X-band navigation radar.

Enhance safety
-Visualizes ice structures
-Identifies the optimum route through ice
-Displays the route in poor visibility
-Detects ice up to 3 nautical miles away
-Ice radar stabilizes the ice image compared to navigation radar using advanced algorithms.

Ice radar presents ice conditions
The FICE-100 reduces image noise, making the intricate ice structures more visible. The hybrid ice radar captures the raw radar signal from the ARPA processor. The outcome is a stable image that reveals the fine details in the radar echoes.

Reduced power usage
By utilizing ice radar, vessels can locate old rifts, clear ice, and channels created by icebreakers and other ships. By finding and using these, the vessel consumes significantly less power, saving fuel and time!

An alternative to an infrared camera
Infrared cameras are difficult to maintain in icy conditions. Ice radar acts as a supplementary system to navigation radar for observing ice conditions using the same outdoor equipment.

Meteorological & Observation System

WAVE ANALYZER

Furuno's Wave Analyzer WV-100 provides real-time monitoring and analysis of wave echoes to enhance maritime safety, even during nighttime operations. Furthermore, it facilitates data sharing between ship and shore, as well as among vessels, enabling swift adjustments, cost-effective route planning, and efficient traffic management in port areas where monitoring sea conditions is crucial for ensuring the safety of all ships.

The Wave Analyzer radar WV-100 is compatible with FAR-2xx8 and FAR-3xx0 navigation radars.

Enhanced Safety and Navigation
Utilizing a wave analyzer solution by Furuno significantly enhances maritime safety and navigation. By providing real-time data on wave height, direction, and frequency, it allows vessels to make informed decisions, avoiding hazardous conditions and optimizing routes for smoother and safer voyages.

Optimized Fuel Efficiency
With precise wave analysis, vessels can adjust their speed and course to minimize resistance and maximize fuel efficiency. Furuno's wave analyzer helps in identifying the most energy-efficient paths, reducing fuel consumption and operational costs, which is crucial for both economic and environmental sustainability.

Improved Operational Planning
Furuno's wave analyzer solution offers valuable insights for better operational planning. By understanding wave patterns and trends, maritime operators can schedule activities such as loading and unloading, maintenance, and crew shifts more effectively, ensuring operations are conducted under optimal conditions and reducing downtime.