Vaisala and Estonian Environment Agency install Europe’s first high-performance C-band SSPA weather radar

Vaisala’s solid-state power amplifier transmitter technology promises improved severe weather forecasting to enhance public safety. 

Vaisala today announced the installation of the European OPERA radar network’s first C-band SSPA weather radar for professional use in Tallinn, Estonia. This first-of-its-kind implementation modernizes European observation network with improved performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency over traditional tube technology radars. 

Vaisala SSPA weather radar benefits: 

Vaisala’s SSPA technology offers several advantages over traditional magnetron-based radars that increase reliability and performance:

• Longer lifespan with less maintenance 
• Low power consumption while maximizing measurement sensitivity 
• No high-cost consumable components 
• Compact design for easier installation and maintenance 
• Built-in redundancies 
• Continuous runtime calibration for high-quality data 
• Advanced modulation methods 
• Improved sensitivity through minimized signal attenuation

The new and compact design of the Vaisala C-band SSPA radar, where the transmitter is located at the back of the antenna, provides the Estonian Environment Agency with better system performance, reliability, and life-cycle cost benefits. This design removes excess attenuation by minimizing the waveguide length, offering the best design for optimized sensitivity and radar measurement performance. 

The first phase of the installation will be completed by October, with a second C-band SSPA radar to be installed next. 

Interview opportunities: 

Tanel Voormansik at the Estonian Environment Agency 
“As Vaisala's first radar customer back in 2008, we’re proud to once again be a pioneer in the adoption of cutting-edge weather technology. These new C-band SSPA radars vastly improve our ability to forecast adverse weather and environmental conditions to protect our citizens. Our previous experience with Vaisala lets us confidently embrace this next-generation radar solution, which not only enhances our meteorological capabilities but does so while addressing practical concerns like long-term cost efficiency.”

Aleksis Kajava, Sales Director, Europe and Latin America, Weather and Environment, Vaisala
“We designed our C-band SSPA radar from the ground up to maximize the benefits of solid-state technology and unlock the future of weather radars. Providing high performance and exceptional accuracy in a compact, low-maintenance package bolsters the prediction of and preparation for adverse weather not only in Estonia but around the world. This advancement sets a new standard for weather services globally, offering unparalleled reliability and performance to further improve public safety.”  

About Vaisala:
Vaisala is a global leader in measurement instruments and intelligence for climate action. We equip our customers with devices and data to improve resource efficiency, drive energy transition, and care for the safety and well-being of people and societies worldwide. With almost 90 years of innovation and expertise, we employ a team of over 2,300 experts committed to taking every measure for the planet. Vaisala series A shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange.