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Instrument

HIRAD
Hurricane Imaging Radiometer

The Hurricane Imaging Radiometer (HIRAD) is an airborne imaging, single-pol passive C-band radiometer. It measures brightness temperature, which is used to determine rain rate and wind speed. HIRAD operates at four frequencies (4, 5, 6, and 6.6 GHz) and has a typical spatial resolution of 1-3 km. HIRAD’s design is built upon the Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR), with the addition of wide-swath measurement capabilities.

Scientist looking at HIRAD
NASA's DC-8 flying laboratory passes Antarctica's tallest peak, Mount Vinson, on Oct. 22, 2012, during a flight over the continent to measure changes in the massive ice sheet and sea ice. Credit: NASA/Michael Studinger (Photography courtesy NASA Images)

Instrument Details

Spectrometer/Radiometer
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation > Precipitation Rate
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation
Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Winds > Surface Winds
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Microwave > Brightness Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Direction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Speed
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Winds
Column Integrated
N/A
1-3 km
4, 5, 6, 6.6 GHz
External Linkhttps://doi.org/10.1175/JTECH-D-17-0031.1

Filter data products from this instrument by specific campaigns, platforms, or formats.

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External Link10.5067/HS3/HIRAD/DATA201