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PAR - Phased Array Radar provides the FAA with the ability to acquire high quality weather data in near real-time using advanced radar technology. Given that the present rotating antenna radar systems are limited, especially in timeliness, newer phased array radar technology that is proven to be more flexible and efficient can be applied to the meteorologist’s requirements.
Our team provides proven capabilities in: radar design based on the SPY-1A phased array radar; environmental processor design based on the Tactical Environmental Processor (TEP); and experience in continuous rotation pedestals. Our team offers a full compliment of individuals from the following: Lockheed Martin, Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems-Surface Systems, National Weather Service, National Severe Storms Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospherics & Instrumentation and Oklahoma University.
ITWS - Integrated Terminal Weather System is providing comprehensive weather information at 4 prototype and 2 operational sites. The system utilizes data received from a minimum of 3 radars and various sensors and weather models. It's mission is to provide a set of safety and planning data to air traffic managers and supervisors. The dissemination of these products is critical toward maintaining and enhancing terminal area safety, and air traffic planning during periods of hazardous weather.
BCI currently supports the ITWS program through the development of test interface simulators, conduct of Operational and Regression tests, maintenance  monitoring of deployed First Article Systems, and the development and test of ITWS product improvements. BCI has developed simulators to test the full complement of interfaces that drive the ITWS system and some of these simulators are now in use at several FAA sites for other prototype systems such as the Medium Intensity Airport Weather System (MIAWS) and the proposed NEXRAD on ARTS program.
WARP - Weather and Radar Processor is an EnRoute Weather System that provides Mosaiced Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) information to Air Traffic Controllers via the Display System Replacement (DSR), and provides meteorological products to the Center Weather Service Unit (CWSU) meteorologists and Traffic Management Specialists (TMU).
BCI has previously supported the WARP program on their Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) related activities in the multiple phases of WARP development. BCI's meteorologists provide systems engineering support to the program.
WSP - The Weather Systems Processor provides high quality wind shear detection equipment for medium air traffic density airports not otherwise equipped with wind shear detection systems. WSP permits increased terminal capacity by permitting more efficient arrival and departure control under thunderstorm conditions.
BCI's meteorologists currently provide systems engineering support to WSP, primarily in the area of product evaluation.
 MIAWS - Medium Intensity Airport Weather System is a reduced function of the ITWS. It provides micro to meso scale meteorological coverage for airports which do not have Terminal Doppler Weather RADAR coverage. The MIAWS utilizes local NEXRAD Radars data to determine microburst, gust front, and precipitation shield information about an airport's runways. There are currently 2 prototypes in operation with an additional 2 going into operation by January 2002.
BCI has supported this program from first development. MIAWS utilizes the NEXRAD APUP Server, developed for the ITWS program, to interface to the NEXRAD Class I user port. The APUP Server was recently re-certified for multiple NEXRAD connectivity to a single PC. BCI also supports this program by monitoring system performance with respect to meteorological detection and accuracy.
AWR - The Aviation Weather Research program identifies and develops science and technology which results in improved overall safety and increased capacity. Activities include basic research in weather phenomena, development of prototype systems, and refinement of weather products for aviation industry users.
BCI's meteorologists provide systems engineering support to the program in prototype development and product evaluation.
 NEXonARTS - NEXRAD Weather on ARTS is the newest of the weather related programs. It's goal is to provide Air Traffic Controllers with weather depiction on ARTS displays which currently do not have access to ASR-8 or 9 weather data. The system will receive NEXRAD weather data and convert it to an ASR-9 weather format for transmittal to a series of ARTS displays. Currently, plans are to have a system built and tested at the WJHTC in November 2001 and have a system deployed to the Atlanta TRACON in February 2002.
BCI is supporting this program by retrofitting the APUP server, used on the ITWS and MIAWS programs, with an ASR interface to communicate the converted NEXRAD data to the ARTS displays. BCI will also support this program in performing communication validation and human factor testing.
For further information on any of the services that we provide, please contact our Corporate Office at 856-778-1660.
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