World Area Forecast System (WAFS)
In the ICAO framework, the World Area Forecast System (WAFS) provides meteorological authorities and authorized users with aeronautical weather information required for international air navigation, such as aeronautical weather messages in text format and weather charts.
World Area Forecast Centre (WAFC)
Two World Area Forecast Centres (WAFCs) at London and Washington broadcast the WAFS products via satellites.
The HKO receives the satellite broadcasts from WAFCs
Very small aperture antenna terminal (VSAT) equipment has been installed at the Hong Kong Observatory and Chek Lap Kok for reception of the WAFC London broadcast. The VSAT equipment occupies very small space. It consists of an antenna and a receiver for reception of the satellite data stream and a data processing workstation for processing and display of the WAFS information to forecasters and for incorporation into flight documents.
A similar system was also set up at the Airport Meteorological Office for reception and processing of the WAFC Washington broadcast. |
VSAT at the Hong Kong Observatory headquarters
A sample weather chart
(click on the above to get an enlarged image) |
