[2][3] Future radar networks – such as the successor to NEXRAD, and possibly across multiple disciplines external to meteorology, such as Air traffic control[4] – are planned to utilize PAR technology due to its superior temporal volumetric capabilities.

Combined with the introduction of faster scanning strategies, such as MESO-SAILS, NEXRAD was proven to be an extremely valuable and highly necessary tool for severe weather monitoring and asset protection across the United States.

The primary disadvantage to these more legacy systems, however, is the timeliness – even with the advent of advanced scanning strategies, typical volume times still take on the order or 5–7 minutes to complete.

[8] To combat the issue of limited temporal resolution, NOAA and NSSL began research into the viability of PAR technology beginning with MPAR in 2003, and lasting until 2016.

Like MPAR and NEXRAD, the ATD radar operates in the S-band, itself utilizing a flat panel phased array with a 90° field of view.