The NOAA X-band dual-Polarimetric (NOXP) Radar Vehicle is a specialized mobile ground-based Doppler radar developed by the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). ​It is a crucial research tool used to rapidly deploy and study severe weather phenomena at close range and low altitudes, which are often below the scanning beam of stationary radars like the WSR-88D network. Key Characteristics​Mobile Platform: It is mounted on a vehicle, allowing researchers to drive it into position as a storm develops, providing a view of the lower atmosphere that stationary radars may miss. ​X-Band Wavelength: It operates on a 3 cm wavelength (X-Band), which makes it more sensitive to smaller particles (like tiny water droplets, snowflakes, and even bats/insects) compared to the longer wavelengths used by the operational WSR-88D radars. ​Dual-Polarization (X-Pol): This is its most significant feature. It transmits and receives energy pulses in both horizontal and vertical orientations. This capability provides additional information on the size, shape, and density of precipitation particles (hydrometeors). Primary Uses and Benefits​The NOXP radar is essential for research and has been used in major field experiments to study a wide range of weather events: ​Tornadoes and Supercells: Provides high-resolution, low-altitude data on the wind field and debris, helping to confirm if a destructive tornado is occurring (by detecting Tornado Debris Signatures). ​Hurricanes: Used to study the inner core and rainbands of tropical cyclones.​Winter Storms: Improves the ability to differentiate between various types of winter precipitation, such as heavy rain, snow, hail, and sleet. ​Quantitative Precipitation Estimates (QPE): The dual-polarization data leads to significantly improved accuracy in precipitation estimates, which is vital for flash flood forecasting. ​Atmospheric Research