[Thermalseeker]

recon has verified it with SFMR data. SFMR is still being developed. It's in the prototype stage now and is not used for verifying anything. Estimations, yes, verification no. Calibration techniques using SFMR are still being developed using ground station data. And yes, I'm a professional microwave Engineer.

[NELSON111]

NHC uses SFMR all the time. I’m on the conference calls with them all the time. They use it in combo with dropsounde data and flight level winds. All of which point to gusts to 220. Read the NHC discussions.

[NELSON111]

This is from the 11 am discussion: “The NOAA plane reported a peak flight-level wind of 159 kt, while the SFMR from both planes have measured winds between 155 and 170 kt. A dropsonde from the NOAA plane measured a wind gust of 176 kt at the surface. A blend of these measurements yield to an initial intensity of 155 kt”

They have enough confidence in it from what they see, coupled with other obs, to use it if they are unflagged. They do it ALL THE TIME.