Massachusetts Test Bed

On the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus, CASA maintains a test bed to prototype and test new components, algorithms and systems before they get integrated into other operational test beds. The MA test bed offers the unique capability to co-locate mutiple instuments for side by side comparisons with radar observations.

Drone Surveillance Testbed

Three million drones are expected to be produced in 2017 globally for use in public safety (search and rescue efforts), commercial activity (photography, bridge inspection) and recreational activity (hobbyists, drone racing). Increasingly, drones are also causing disruption at airports and large venues such football games. There have been more than 3,400 reports of near-collisions with aircraft reported since November, 2014.  With a new innovation grant from the National Science Foundation, CASA is conducting a proof-of-concept demonstration of a multi-purpose radar system that can be used both for drone and weather surveillance. The aim is to provide early warnings for both severe weather and drone intrusions using a single networked radar system. Two phased array radars, developed in conjunction with the Microwave Remote Sensing Laboratory and Raytheon, are being used for this activity.

 Prof. Zink standing next to phased array radar.

Weather Radar Testbed

From 2010 to 2013, the on-campus CASA weather radar was operated during severe weather to provide real-time support to campus emergency management officials. The radar filled an important coverage gap between the National Weather Service Albany and Taunton radars, providing local, high resolution weather data for improved decision making during severe weather.

MA1 Radar image of June 1, 2011 tornado passing from Monson to Brimfield, MA     

Tornado damage in Brimfield, MA