Meteorological Equipment

The Meteorological Equipment program is designed to enhance the Navy's and Marine Corps' capabilities in weather observation and flight safety operations. This initiative involves acquiring new and replacement meteorological equipment for platforms such as Navy ships, Marine Corps Air Stations, and operational force units. It also provides Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (IPOE) equipment for submarines, ensuring comprehensive environmental data collection and analysis across multiple domains.

A key component of this program is the Environmental Satellite Receiver Processor Systems (ESRP), which processes data from national and international meteorology satellites. Modernization efforts include integrating next-generation polar and geostationary orbiting satellite families into existing systems. This upgrade enhances data processing capabilities by incorporating new sensors and expanding frequency bands to support current and future operational needs.

The program also focuses on upgrading surface-based atmospheric sensing systems like the Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) and Supplemental Weather Radars (SWR). These upgrades are essential for aviation safety and naval operations, addressing system life extension through software updates and mitigation of cyber risks. Additionally, the Littoral Battlespace Sensing - Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (LBS-UUV) project procures ocean sensor systems to monitor oceanic parameters critical for naval operations.

Another significant aspect is the Tactical METOC Applications initiative, which supports Marine Corps and Joint forces with advanced meteorological data collection and dissemination capabilities. The Hazardous Weather Detection and Display Capability (HWDDC) provides real-time severe weather information crucial for navigation safety. These efforts collectively aim to bolster the Navy's meteorological infrastructure, ensuring mission effectiveness across various warfare areas.