Advanced Weather Radar Solutions for Meteorological Monitoring

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.