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Meteor 200

Description of the radar set, tactical-technical characteristics

Figure 1: Meteor 200

Specifications
frequency: 9 345 – 9 405 MHz
typ.: 9 375 MHz
pulse repetition time (PRT):
pulse repetition frequency (PRF): 1200 Hz and 250 Hz
pulsewidth (τ): 0.5 µsec and 3 µsec
receiving time:
dead time:
peak power: 200 kW
average power: 140 W
instrumented range: 100 km
range resolution: 440 m
accuracy:
beamwidth: 1,06°
hits per scan:
antenna rotation: 4 rpm
MTBCF:
MTTR:

Meteor 200

Meteor 200 from Selenia (Rome, Italy) is an early weather radar operating in X-band. The radar was built before 1960 and was with modernization from the end of 1990 operationally until 2007. The radar antenna used a parabolic reflector with a diameter of 2 m and a feed horn with horizontal linear polarization. The turntable was able to rotate by 360 degrees and to an elevation angle from 0 to 90 degrees. The antenna gain was 41 Decibels, and the sidelobe level was −24 Decibels.

The transmitter used a magnetron. The receiver was fitted with a logarithmic IF-amplifier. The display unit uses two cathode-ray tubes: the main display can be switched from PPI to RHI. In addition to the main display unit is installed a smaller A-scope.

Meteor 200 has been designed for tracking weather balloons to measure wind direction and wind speed. The monitor got the name “Tracking Unit” therefore. In this tracking mode, the radar achieved a maximum range of 100 km. But it could also be used as rain radar for short-range. Due to the limited sensitivity and the high atmospheric attenuation in this frequency range, the radar worked only up to a maximum distance of about 50 km. A complete 3D scan took about 5 minutes.

A meteor 200 radar was installed on the roof of a 7-story building near the University of Bonn late 60s. This radar was the subject of several diploma theses and at least one doctoral thesis in the field of radar meteorology during this episode.

Picture gallery of Meteor 200

Figure 2: Meteor 200 on the roof a high rise building

Figure 3: Selenia Meteor 200 RMA-1c as a trailer assembly