Projects / Case study
Green Island Doppler Weather Radar
Overcoming natural and logistical restrictions to deliver a Doppler weather radar for the Taiwan Air Force.
- Client
- Taiwan Air Force (ROCAF) Weather Wing
- Partner
- Gematronik (now Leonardo)
- Sector
- Aviation / weather systems
- Location
- Green Island, Taiwan
- Goal
- Install a new Doppler weather radar to receive first-hand weather information
Background & challenge
Green Island, off Taiwan's southeast coast, houses a Doppler weather radar operated by the Taiwan Air Force (ROCAF) that supports military flight safety and, with the Central Weather Bureau, monitors storm and typhoon formation in the Pacific. After two decades, the aging radar needed replacement. Military contracts are demanding and are not uncommonly cancelled under pressure, and the remote, exposed island site added further difficulty.
Our approach
With a clear understanding of the procedures, documentation and specifications required to work with public agencies, Welltek took responsibility as prime contractor — planning procedures, refining specifications, laying sensitive telecommunication equipment and utilities, reinforcing existing structures, and ensuring the radome offered perfect weatherproof protection. Using local industry knowledge, Welltek sourced capable subcontractors and scheduled work for the most suitable time of year. Installing a Doppler radar spans signal processing, radio frequency, control and mechanical operation; Welltek coordinated its people and subcontractors across every aspect, from technical systems to the radar housing structure.
Results
After more than two years traveling between the Taipei office and Green Island, Gematronik's radar was successfully installed at the ROCAF weather monitoring site. Shortly after, Typhoon Nepartak hit the island — thanks to Welltek's high-quality construction, the radar's robust structure withstood the extreme weather, tracked the typhoon, and its wind durability and waterproofing prevented any damage. Following this success, ROCAF has reached out to Welltek for future collaboration.
Welltek's services
- Preemptive renovation
- Telecommunication & utility construction
- Radar installation
- Communication support & document preparation
Welltek combined know-how across different fields, from building structure and construction and electromechanical technology to radar system construction. The project faced many challenges but was ultimately completed step-by-step.