Aviation Weather – Specification Highlights & System Comparison

Aviation Weather AWOS FBS Portable Remote SAWS Permanent
Stations provide real-time aviation data X X X X X X
Multiple runways X X   X   X
METAR and SPECI reports X X X X   X
SYNOP and CLIMAT reports X X X X   X
Sensors AWOS FBS Portable Remote SAWS Permanent
Wind speed and direction            
Ultrasonic X X X X X X
Traditional X X X X   X
Pressure Altimeter            
1 sensor X X X X   X
2 sensors X X X X X X
3 sensors X X   X   X
Humidity/dew point X X X X X X
Temperature            
Motor aspirated X X   X X X
Naturally aspirated X X X X   X
Visibility X X X X X X
Combined visibility and precipitaiton identification X X X X   X
Separate visibility and precipitation identification X X   X   X
Cloud height 25K X X X X   X
Lightning/thunderstorm detection            
0 – 30 miles X X   X   X
Greater than 30 miles X X X X X X
Precipitation amount X X X X   X
Freezing Rain X X   X   X
RVR X X   X   X
Auto-aligning via built in compass     X      
Future Expansion AWOS FBS Portable Remote SAWS Permanent
Universal serial Interface X X X X X X
Universal digital interface X X X X X X
Universal analog interface X X X X X X
Ruggedness AWOS FBS Portable Remote SAWS Permanent
Passes MIL-STD-410E X X X X X X
Passes MIL-STD-810F     X      
Requires no routine maintenance     X      
Communication options from field to PC/Server AWOS FBS Portable Remote SAWS Permanent
Cable X X X X X X
Fiber Optic X X X X X X
Radio            
UHF/VHF X X X X X X
Spread-Spectrum X X X X X X
User Interface Software AWOS FBS Portable Remote SAWS Permanent
METAR/SPECI window X X X X X X
Can view with a Web Browser X X X X X X
Shows all sensor data X X X X X X
Built in Tests X X X X X X
RVR display X X   X   X
Thunderstorm display X X X X   X
Remote Maintenance Monitoring (RMM) X X X X X X
Displays AWOS FBS Portable Remote SAWS Permanent
Fixed (non-PC) displays X X X X X X
PC User Interface X X X X X X
Field Portable display     X      
Power AWOS FBS Portable Remote SAWS Permanent
Battery only Some   X Some   Some
Battery and solar power Some   X Some   Some
Battery, solar or AC power Some   X Some   Some
AC power only   X     X  

Meteorological Sensor Specifications

Please contact us for complete information on Coastal's tactical meteorological instruments.