AIM Text
The Weather Systems Processor (WSP) was developed for use in the National Airspace System to provide weather processor enhancements to selected Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)-9 facilities. The WSP provides Air Traffic with warnings of hazardous wind shear and microbursts. The WSP also provides users with terminal area 6-level weather, storm cell locations and movement, as well as the location and predicted future position and intensity of wind shifts that may affect airport operations.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-1-23.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance describing the Weather Systems Processor (WSP), a National Airspace System enhancement to selected ASR-9 facilities. It gives Air Traffic warnings of hazardous wind shear and microbursts, and provides users terminal-area 6-level weather, storm cell locations and movement, plus the location and predicted future position and intensity of wind shifts affecting airport operations.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What hazards does the Weather Systems Processor warn controllers about?
The AIM states the WSP provides Air Traffic with warnings of hazardous wind shear and microbursts. It is a weather processor enhancement added to selected Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)-9 facilities in the National Airspace System.
What additional weather information does the WSP provide to users?
Per the AIM, the WSP provides users with terminal area 6-level weather, storm cell locations and movement, as well as the location and predicted future position and intensity of wind shifts that may affect airport operations.
Which radar facilities have the Weather Systems Processor?
The AIM explains the WSP was developed for selected Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)-9 facilities, providing weather processor enhancements for use in the National Airspace System.