Manufacturing of Optical Encoder used within the WSR-88D NEXRAD Radar

The National Weather Service (NWS) Radar Operations Center (ROC) has a requirement to procure 50 optical encoders to replenish logistics spares, which are used in the Weather Surveillance Radar 1988 Doppler (WSR-88D). The ROC supports the Next Generator Weather Radar (NEXRAD) program, which is a network of 160 high-resolution S-Band Doppler weather radars jointly operated by the NWS, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the United States Air Force known as the Tri-Agency. The NEXRAD program provides the NWS with the ability to accurately detect, analyze, and forecast weather events in support of local warning and forecast and safety of flight operations overseen by the Tri-Agency. The NEXRAD program provides essential data needed to achieve Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and NWS objectives and goals. NEXRAD data underpins NWS forecast/warning services-critical for meeting WeatherReady Nation goal to protect life and property, and reduce disruption from high-impact weather events. The continuous availability of stock is a critical element supporting the NWS mission.

The optical encoders National Stock Number (NSN) 7050-01-388-0992, Agency Stock Number (ASN) Reference Identification R400-2A1A1A2A1 are used within the NEXRAD Radar. The associated equipment Source Control Document part number is 14636-5017 has been provided within this document to be referenced for manufacturing. Additionally, the information included within this document are to be considered to be the minimum technical requirements that optical encoders must meet to be used in the NWS ROC WSR-88D.