Randomized trial demonstrates effective in situ calibration of radar antenna parameters, highlighting a new method for operational assessment.
Key Points
This study aims to enhance the calibration accuracy of key parameters for S-band weather radar antennas, which are crucial for precipitation estimation.
Proposed a solar calibration method based on Volume Coverage Pattern for Sun (VCPSun).
Implemented high-density solar scanning with time alignment and feed-forward control of solar motion.
Validated results using independent far-field test measurements.
Retention rate of quality-controlled solar samples reached 85.7%, enabling main-lobe power pattern reconstruction.
Mean beam pointing biases were within ±0.05° for both polarizations after calibration.
Antenna gain differences were within 0.2 dB relative to far-field references.