Next-generation weather radar technology

Could you please provide some background to EWR Weather Radar and its involvement in the defence industry?

Don LaPoint and Guy Blase: EWR Weather Radar has successfully provided and sustained portable/tactical weather radar systems for the US Department of Defense (DoD), foreign militaries and commercial clients since its inception in 2003. EWR's heritage in developing and supporting portable radar systems, in conjunction with the company's dedication to the advancement of weather radar technology with state-of-the-art products and services, has made it the gold standard in portable weather radar systems.

Who are the primary end-users of your services within this sector?

EWR provides products and services to a wide array of clients, including the US DoD, utility and oil companies, municipalities and first alert responders.

Within the US DoD and foreign militaries, EWR's primary end-users are warfighters, domestically and internationally, in some of the most difficult military theatres around the world. Weather-sensitive operations rely on EWR's radar to deliver accurate, real-time meteorological information.

What challenges do these operatives face and how do EWR's weather radar systems meet their needs?

EWR's product offerings are all commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) items; however, the company has the capability to fine-tune weather radars to meet specific client needs.

Many of EWR's military clientele must ensure that all radar controls comply with guidelines issued by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). EWR has consistently achieved and maintained information assurance standards, and all controls are in compliance with the DoD information assurance certification and accreditation process (DIACAP).

EWR consistently provides a secure environment for its radars by evaluating and disseminating time compliance network order (TCNO) updates, performing monthly security scans, and updating EWR's operating systems and proprietary application software to meet security protocols.

Could you detail some of the products that you currently have available?

EWR's E600 Series II weather radar, a non-Doppler system, is designed for maximum portability and engineered to withstand the rigours of front-line duty experienced by the US Government's military applications and commercial users.

EWR's E700XD incorporates Doppler technology in a compact, rugged and lightweight design that is ideal for portable applications, while the E700XD is ideal for 'gap-filling' radar surveillance. EWR's electronic phased array radar (EMPAR) system uses dual polarisation to provide meteorological weather radar data and target surveillance detection, while the company's E750DP Polarimetric radar offers simultaneous dual polarisation.

What kind of customer service do you provide?

EWR's contractor logistical support encompasses full programme management, engineering, integration, logistics, spares coordination, operational support, system software and hardware modifications, and upgrades. The company offers help desk support 24/7, 365 days a year and on-site repair teams are ready to deploy anywhere in the world.

EWR is the current incumbent on multiple logistical support projects and maintains 90-95% operational availability within its performance-based contracts.

What distinguishes EWR from its competitors?

EWR is an established and recognised domestic and international brand with a proven record of excellence in executing federal contracts. As an industry leader in portable weather radars, it is strategically aligned with academia, industry partners in the weather community and the world's leading weather radar engineers, many of whom serve on EWR's advisory board.

EWR has demonstrated its breadth of knowledge of market demand through its newest commercial offerings, including its phased array radar, E750 Polarimetric radar, turnkey Mobile Weather Radar Truck, and EWR WeatherScout 3.0 software with Hybrid Pulse technology.

As an industry partner in the field of collaborative adaptive sensing of the atmosphere (CASA) in association with several universities worldwide, EWR continues to remain ahead of market demand through the creation of intellectual property licenses created by the minds of tomorrow for radar technology today.