Introduction
TM106101(8/01)
RDR-1600 Pilot’s Guide
1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In the early days of aviation, pilots were more concerned with just staying
airborne than worrying about weather. Airplanes were for fun. Pilots flew
only short hops, on clear days, and could often see their destination. There
was little need for navigation equipment. If your compass was working and
your gas held out, you could probably make it home safely. Later, as flying
came of age, thunderstorms and their associated turbulence were more of
a problem. When the weather was good, aircraft utilization was high. But
when storms were prevalent, you might take the long way home.
Today, weather radar is as much at home in the cockpit as the compass.
Corporate aircraft operators, and private pilots, as well as the airlines have
adopted weather radar with full confidence in its usefulness and reliability.
Most commercial airborne weather radars available today also provide the
pilot with one or more ancillary modes of operation and system options that
make the radar more functional and increase its versatility.
Telephonics would like to welcome you to the growing family of Telephonics
Weather Radar System owners and operators.
The RDR-1600 Color Weather Radar System is the newest advancement
of this series of radars. The RDR-1600 series radars are the most popular,
advanced capability, multi-mode radars available from any manufacturer.
The RDR-1600 provides five primary modes of operation: three air-to-
surface search and detection modes, and two conventional weather avoid-
ance modes. This lightweight digital X-band radar system provides a peak
power of 10 kW, and is primarily designed for fixed or rotary-wing aircraft
engaged in patrol, search and rescue missions, and for transporting
personnel and equipment to remote sites (e.g., off-shore oil rigs, etc.).
The system interfaces with multi-function electronic displays. The MFD is
referred to as an indicator in this manual. The RDR-1600 will also interface
with an Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS). AHRS Pitch and Roll
data will be converted from digital ARINC 429 to analog pitch and roll data
that is used by the DA-1203A antenna drive unit for antenna stabilization.
The RDR-1600 also has the capability to receive and decode both standard
2-pulse beacon transponders and the DO-172 6-pulse transponders. This
system also provides two short ranges of 0.5 nm and 1.0 nm for search and
rescue.
This manual is designed to help you understand the RDR-1600 and its
operational procedures. Please read it carefully before operating the unit.
If you have any questions, please contact Telephonics (see back cover).
iv
RDR-1600 Pilot’s Guide
TM106101(8/01)
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS (CONT.)
FIGURE
TITLE
PAGE
8.1-1
Adjusting the Antenna Tilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
8.2-1
Altitude vs. Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
8.3-1
Weather Target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
9.1-1
Aircraft Pitching/Rolling ±30° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
10.1-1
Standard Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
10.2-1
DO-172 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
14-1
Cross-Section of a Thunderstorm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE
TITLE
PAGE
5.5-1
Radar Display and Thunderstorm Levels
versus Rainfall Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
6.5.9-1
Minimum Distinguishable Target Separation . . . . . . . .26
8.3-1
Antenna Tilt Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
