A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Speed All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Weather
While descending into [destination] our radar failed for the third time. We were visually deviating to avoid build ups and Center requested for us to turn left for traffic. We were not able because of weather. Center allowed us to stay on our heading and descend to 8;000 feet MSL. He also requested we keep our speed up and slow to 250 knots indicated not at 10;000 feet MSL; but 9;000 feet MSL. We complied with his request so we could continue deviating and avoid the traffic. The situation could not be avoided due to the failure of the weather radar system.
On the way to [destination] we had a Weather Radar Fail. It came back and went out again. We messaged Dispatch of the issue and informed them Maintenance would be needed on arrival. On descent it came back and about 15;000 feet ATC asked us to expedite down to 10;000 feet. Doing so we increased speed on the way down. ATC asked us to make left turn and we had huge cell. Looking at the radar we had a solid Red Cell with large amount of purple (severe weather). We then got an automated 'Weather Ahead' verbal warning before the radar failed again. ATC then told us to go down to 8;000 feet. I told them we are slowing; then down to 8;000 feet. ATC responded saying they need altitude over speed and to go to 9;000 feet and then slow to 250 knots. We complied and slowed before continuing to 8;000 feet. During the descent I noticed we did clear converging traffic on TCAS by 1;000 feet vertically at the 10 mile mark (assuming the reason for the expedited descent).Based on the failure of the weather radar and ATC situational awareness; nothing could be done on the flight crew part.
A320 flight crew reported their weather radar failed and recovered multiple times enroute.