The Cloud Absorption Radiometer (CAR) is an airborne multi-wavelength scanning radiometer that can perform several functions including:

• determining the single scattering albedo of clouds at selected wavelengths in the visible and near-infrared
• measuring the angular distribution of scattered radiation
• measuring bidirectional reflectance of various surface types
• acquiring imagery of cloud and Earth surface features

The CAR has been deployed on a regular basis in field campaigns around the world including deployments to Alaska, Brazil, Kuwait, Mexico, Portugal (Azores), the continental U.S., and various countries in southern Africa.