First Results from the WindRAD Scatterometer on Board FY-3E: Data Analysis, Calibration and Wind Retrieval Evaluation

FY-3E WindRAD (Fengyun-3E Wind Radar) is a dual-frequency rotating fan-beam scat-terometer. Its data characteristics, NOC (NWP Ocean Calibration), and wind retrieval performance are investigated in this paper. The diversity of the radar view geometry varies across the swaths, with maximum diversity in the sweet swaths and limited diversity in the outer and nadir swaths. When NOC backscatter calibration coefficients are computed as a function of incidence angle only (NOCint), a smooth correction is found. However, when relative antenna azimuth angle is included (NOCant), it appears that the corrections as a function of relative azimuth angle vary harmonically and substantially for a specific incidence angle. NOCant corrections yield a better fit of the measurements to the GMF (Geophysical Model Function). Hence, NOCant is applied for the analysis of wind retrieval from the Ku-band and C-band. An extra engineering correction of 0.15 dB and 0.20 dB is applied on Ku-band and C-band backscatter values, respectively, to reduce the wind speed bias without increasing the standard deviation. Overall, NOCant is the best option for both channels. In addition, the instrument backscatter data stability over time is good, and the retrieved winds can fulfill operational requirements.