Weather Radar overlay on Radardiplays
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Weather info in NATS (NERL)
There are currently two 'projects' seeking funding within NATS.
The first of these is to replace MIST, which has been the system used to provide weather info to Traffic Managers, Group Sups and LAS positions during the last few years.
A trial has been underway of a potential system, known as WIND, in TC. However, there are various issues with WIND and the system in place has not been accepted as fit for operational use in its current format. MIST needs to be replaced as the Met Office want to turn it off in the near future. A project to find a NATS wide replacement should be starting soon, providing the funding is approved.
The 2nd 'project' is a requirement to provide near real-time weather information straight to the controller workstations. This could potentially be done on either a separate support display or as a selectable overlay on the radar display. I know that some controllers have been over to Amsterdam recently, and are full of praise for the system that is in use there. There could however be some issues with trying to pipe weather radar info into the NODE system, not least of which is the need to meet the safety requirements associated with NODE. I don't believe that this project has yet been submitted to the group that decides whether funding can be made available. However, it is hoped that a study can be kicked off in the near future. I believe that the Union has already approached NATS management to see if weather radar info can be made available on sector positions.
The first of these is to replace MIST, which has been the system used to provide weather info to Traffic Managers, Group Sups and LAS positions during the last few years.
A trial has been underway of a potential system, known as WIND, in TC. However, there are various issues with WIND and the system in place has not been accepted as fit for operational use in its current format. MIST needs to be replaced as the Met Office want to turn it off in the near future. A project to find a NATS wide replacement should be starting soon, providing the funding is approved.
The 2nd 'project' is a requirement to provide near real-time weather information straight to the controller workstations. This could potentially be done on either a separate support display or as a selectable overlay on the radar display. I know that some controllers have been over to Amsterdam recently, and are full of praise for the system that is in use there. There could however be some issues with trying to pipe weather radar info into the NODE system, not least of which is the need to meet the safety requirements associated with NODE. I don't believe that this project has yet been submitted to the group that decides whether funding can be made available. However, it is hoped that a study can be kicked off in the near future. I believe that the Union has already approached NATS management to see if weather radar info can be made available on sector positions.
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PPRUNE Radar,
The MIST replacement will be rolled out at all sites currently using MIST. These include TC, LACC and MACC. I believe there are also plans for the MIST replacement to be deployed at ScACC as well, although it is unclear whether this will take place before the new Prestwick Centre becomes operational.
As for the project to place weather radar on sector positions, the requirements have not yet been defined. Hopefully all of the units will be consulted as to whether they require near real-time weather info on the sectors. Controller input at TC suggests that there is a strong desire to have weather radar available at LTCC.
The MIST replacement will be rolled out at all sites currently using MIST. These include TC, LACC and MACC. I believe there are also plans for the MIST replacement to be deployed at ScACC as well, although it is unclear whether this will take place before the new Prestwick Centre becomes operational.
As for the project to place weather radar on sector positions, the requirements have not yet been defined. Hopefully all of the units will be consulted as to whether they require near real-time weather info on the sectors. Controller input at TC suggests that there is a strong desire to have weather radar available at LTCC.
Sub Judice Angel Lovegod
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While Yorkshire was receiving the phenomenal rainfall that caused the flash flooding last weekend, I was trying to pick my way from Biggin to Newcastle.
I carry Stormscope but no radar, and although it was keeping me out of the very worst of it I was still encountering moderate to severe in heavy rain. I would guess that the Stormscope was protecting me from Severe to Extreme, given the devastation that the storms were later shown to have caused.
Leeming, then Teesside, then Newcastle all turned their weather suppression off for me and were able to give me very accurate descriptions of where the cells were and to make suggestions for routes through (while making it clear that it was my decision.)
The combination of radar and Stormscope was invaluable, and kept us not only safe, but pretty comfortable.
So, many thanks to them (thanks I have already passed to the ATM at Teesside)....it goes to show that these things are possible
Here is a piccy I took at the time
I carry Stormscope but no radar, and although it was keeping me out of the very worst of it I was still encountering moderate to severe in heavy rain. I would guess that the Stormscope was protecting me from Severe to Extreme, given the devastation that the storms were later shown to have caused.
Leeming, then Teesside, then Newcastle all turned their weather suppression off for me and were able to give me very accurate descriptions of where the cells were and to make suggestions for routes through (while making it clear that it was my decision.)
The combination of radar and Stormscope was invaluable, and kept us not only safe, but pretty comfortable.
So, many thanks to them (thanks I have already passed to the ATM at Teesside)....it goes to show that these things are possible
Here is a piccy I took at the time
Last edited by Timothy; 27th Jun 2005 at 22:58.
