Tailored code

The Havemann-Taylor Fast Radiative Transfer Code (HT-FRTC) enables the fast prediction of radiative spectra (ultraviolet to microwave) from any source and its interaction with the atmosphere, including scattering and absorption by multiple agents.

It is primarily used in the Met Office Neon tactical decision aid (TDA) to support operational forces. Met Office TDAs have the potential to be ported to multiple platforms, with or without consistent network connectivity.

By integrating HT-FRTC with an organisation’s applications, the Met Office can provide information superiority through faster modelling of atmospheric impacts on electro-optic sensors, allowing more effective exploitation of assets and platforms, thus contribution to both mission success and warfighter safety.

HT-FRTC is significantly faster than mainstream alternatives and is at least two orders of magnitude faster than alternatives at the same accuracy level. HT-FRTC is very flexible for viewing geometry and atmospheric conditions, while allowing for an exact treatment of scattering and absorption using state-of-the-art algorithms.

It was created by the Met Office Atmospheric Radiation sub-team, within the Observation Based Research team, part of the Foundation Science branch of the Met Office head office in Exeter, United Kingdom. Developed over the last decade it continues to receive ongoing development and support to the present day, with planned medium and long-term incremental upgrades.