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40 Years of Weather Radar: From "Bringing In" to "Going Out"
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The term "radar" originates from the English abbreviation for "Radio Detection and Ranging," and it was initially used for military purposes. Then, in 1941, the British began using radar to monitor storms, marking the beginning of meteorological radar development. Because of its critical role in short-term, nowcasting weather forecasting, weather radar is also regarded as one of the key "trump cards" in modern meteorological operations.
The term "radar" originates from the English abbreviation of "Radio Detection and Ranging," originally developed for military purposes. In 1941, the British began using radar to monitor storms, marking the beginning of meteorological radar development. Due to its critical role in short-term, nowcasting weather forecasting, weather radar is also regarded as one of the key "trump cards" in modern meteorological operations.
Before the 1990s, China’s meteorological operations widely relied on the simple 711-type weather radar. Today, the new generation of weather radars—primarily based on Doppler technology—have been extensively adopted in China’s meteorological sector. Not only do their advanced technologies and equipment meet domestic network deployment needs, but they have also gained a foothold in the international market.
From "bringing in" weather radar technology to "going global," and now even making its way into the everyday lives of people—these transformations are vivid testaments to the 40 years of reform and opening-up.
Tug-of-war negotiations introduce advanced technology
On August 15, 1995, under the leadership of Zou Jingmeng, then Director of the China Meteorological Administration, the first Sino-U.S. joint venture project in weather radar technology was launched. From the establishment of Beijing Minshida Radar Co., Ltd. as a Sino-U.S. joint venture in 1996 to the installation of the first next-generation weather radar in Hefei, Anhui Province, in 1998—just two years later—demonstrated remarkable progress.
Initially, negotiations with the U.S. radar company did not proceed smoothly. The American side believed that China's weather radar technology was lagging behind and proposed a highly rigid technology-transfer plan. However, the Chinese negotiators remained undaunted, carefully preparing an extensive stack of detailed negotiation materials. After several rounds of intense bargaining, recognizing the immense market potential of China's weather radar—and noting that U.S. defense contractors were eager to tap into international markets following the end of the Cold War—the U.S. side ultimately agreed to the cooperative technical investment and profit-sharing arrangement proposed by the Chinese delegation.
Compared to importing complete radar systems, technology transfer significantly reduces costs—from approximately $4 million per radar unit down to around $1 million, paving the way for China to launch a comprehensive nationwide network of next-generation weather radars starting in the mid-1990s. In 1996, the Anhui Provincial Government actively invested in and initiated the Hefei Weather Radar Project, which became China’s first operational next-generation weather radar system.
Over the following 20 years, while introducing U.S.-made technology, domestic radar development facilities (and institutes) also launched intensive technological research and innovation, significantly boosting the growth of China's indigenous weather radar industry.
Break the monopoly and develop national industries.
In fact, since 1994, the China Meteorological Administration has successively formulated the "China's Next-Generation Weather Radar Monitoring Network Construction Plan" and the "Next-Generation Weather Radar Monitoring Station Site Layout Scheme," as well as compiled the "Weather Radar Development Plan (2001–2015)" and the "Next-Generation Weather Radar Application Development Plan (2004–2010)." Additionally, it introduced the world's most advanced Doppler weather radar technology available at the time and officially designated it as the "Next-Generation Weather Radar."
In the late 1990s to the early 21st century, China's next-generation weather radar network entered a phase of rapid development. During this period, the pace of work was exceptionally intense. "During the day, the radars were almost always operational, requiring technicians to closely monitor and inspect their performance—so adjustments and debugging could only be scheduled at night," recalls Gao Yuchun, currently the Technical Chief for Major Meteorological Radar Projects at the China Meteorological Administration's Meteorological Observation Center, who was involved in negotiating the joint venture projects at the time. Thanks to efforts in introducing, digesting, absorbing, and ultimately innovating further, China's next-generation weather radars have achieved groundbreaking advancements in performance, functionality, and technology.
By the end of 2017, China had completed the planning and construction of 216 next-generation weather radars, creating today’s most advanced and extensive next-generation weather radar monitoring network in the world. Moreover, with the continuous improvement of China’s radar technology and capabilities—particularly in key technical indicators such as ground clutter suppression, reflectivity, velocity, and spectral width, which have reached internationally advanced levels—the radar products have also entered the global market, being exported to countries including India, South Korea, and Romania.
New radar technologies have also seen rapid advancements, with wind-profile radar technology steadily maturing. The operational framework, calibration methods, and technical standards for dual-polarization weather radars have been finalized, and corresponding application trials have already begun. Meanwhile, preliminary research into the theoretical foundations of phased-array weather radar detection has been initiated, alongside the development of experimental platforms for both S-band and X-band phased-array radars.
From radar towers to "internet-famous" science education products
After its completion, the new-generation weather radar tower in Jiuquan, Gansu—designed to resemble a dolphin—has become one of the region's iconic landmarks in Jiayuguan. The tower also serves as an educational meteorological station, seamlessly integrating meteorological observation, science outreach, and sightseeing functions.
Located in Changzhi, Shanxi, the new-generation radar tower at the wetland park stands 125 meters tall. Its base and distinctive architectural design are shaped like a "flying saucer," making it a landmark where residents can climb high to enjoy panoramic views while learning about meteorological science.
Located in Ningbo, Zhejiang, the radar tower on Dapeng Mountain in Cixi resembles a fully equipped, ready-to-sail giant ship. Ascend the tower and gaze out into the vast East China Sea—every inch of it comes into view.
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After decades of development, weather radar has quietly become more accessible to the public. For instance, in planning, designing, arranging, and selecting sites for radar towers across various regions, local authorities have strived to align meteorological needs with economic development goals as much as possible. Since radar observations require specific environmental conditions in the surrounding area, and to avoid disrupting urban development, radar towers are often built on the highest points in their respective locations—making them natural "landmarks." As a result, the architectural designs of these towers have repeatedly earned prestigious domestic and international awards.
Moreover, many radar towers also serve multiple purposes, such as functioning as meteorological observation platforms and science museums dedicated to weather education, significantly enhancing their cultural and educational value.
With the advancement of new media technologies, weather radar products have also "entered ordinary households." Today, radar maps have become almost the "internet sensation" among major weather apps—whether or not users have a background in meteorology, they can easily "read" them: the stronger the radar echoes, the deeper the "color" of the "tomato and egg," making it clear as day when intense convective weather like thunderstorms is on its way.
In a sense, weather radar products have also bridged the gap between the public and meteorological science.
(Source: China Meteorological News, October 30, 2018, Page 1; Editor-in-charge: Zhang Lin)
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