APPLEx

The PLMR measures both V and H polarisations using a single receiver with polarisation switch at incidence angles ±7°, ±21.5° and ±38.5° in either across track (push broom) or along track configurations. In the normal push broom configuration the 3dB beam width is 17° along track and 14° across track resulting in an overall 90° across track field of view. The instrument has a centre frequency of 1.413GHz and bandwidth of 24MHz, with specified NEDT and accuracy better than 1K for an integration time of 0.5s, and 1K repeatability over 4 hours. It weighs 46kg and has a size of 91.5 cm × 91.5 cm × 17.25 cm. Calibrations will be performed before, during and after each flight. The before and after flight calibrations are achieved by removing PLMR from the aircraft and making brightness temperature measurements of a calibration target and the sky. The in-flight calibration is accomplished by measuring the brightness temperature of a water body (Lake Wyangan).