- Validation of Hurricane Surface Winds Measured by the HRD SFMR (1/2003)

The HRD Stepped-Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR) that is carried
aboard NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft has been determined to be the most
accurate and reliable remote sensing device available for measuring
hurricane force winds at the sea surface. Results of a study show that
surface winds measured by the SFMR are comparable to the Global
Positioning Systems (GPS) dropwindsonde measurements that are the
current standard. The benefit of the SFMR is that winds are continuously
measured during flights, allowing for more complete mapping of hurricane
surface wind structure.