A number of design parameters are traded off in the design of an airborne weather radar system. The inter-relative effects of design tradeoffs can be meaningfully approximated by application of the standard range equation which takes into account such items as peak transmitter power, width of the transmitted pulse, target area and reflectivity characteristics, transmitter wavelength, antenna gain, and the receiver overall noise figure. Selection of that radar system which is best suited to the particular aircraft to be equipped not only increases the utility of the aircraft, but also the safety of operation within given weather margins. Optimal allowances made for such installational limitations as reflector size, radome design, and temperature environments enhance both the performance and the reliability of the radar.