primary radar in atc itu radar seminar poul erik jørgensen das ats hmi manager 24. september 2005

Primary Radar in ATC

ITU Radar Seminar Poul Erik Jørgensen

DAS ATS HMI Manager24. September 2005

2

Introduction

Before primary radars was introduced the controller was using paper strips and procedural Separation for Air Traffic, i.e. 10 to 15 minutes between the flights.

Obviously the capacity was low!

3

First Primary Radars

With the introduction of PrimaryRadars in the 50’s and early 60’sthe controller could control trafficwith a separation of 10 to 15 NM.Paper strips still used.

Capacity increased.

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Correlation

Australia:Sticky shrimp boats

UK:Horizontal displays for shrimp boats.

Capacity increased againas the controller didn’t have to memorise the traffic.

5

Controlling the traffic

Controller working withpaper strips and PrimaryRadar.

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Controlling the traffic

Controllers working withPaper strips and combinedPrimary and Secondary Radars.

Flight Data processing allowsfor automatic correlations ofFlight Plans and radar tracks.

Separation of 5 to 10 NM in en-routeand 3 to 5 NM in TMA.

The capacity increases.

Such systems are still in usetoday.

7

Modern System

Modern system with Combined primary and SSR radars and Flight Plan System which correlateautomatically.

8

Modern System

System has advanced functionality to support the controllers.

Electronic interface to update the system.

No paper strips.

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Where is primary radar used today?

1. En-route control.

2. Terminal Area (TMA) control.

3. Ground control.

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How is primary radar used today?

• En-route/TMA:1. Complement SSR.

No Transponder, Transponder U/S, Safety (Intruders)

2. Back-up for SSR.SSR radar failure

3. Weather.Display of severe weather to the controller

• GroundAdvanced systems are used today to control traffic on the ground.

• Shared with military

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Radar degradation

1. Increased workload/stress.

2. Safety issue.

3. Reduced capacity.

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Conclusion

The Primary Radar is very important for the provision of ATC as a part of the overall system to be able to maintain the safe and orderly flow of Air Traffic.

Therefore Primary Radar is required in the EUROCONTROL long term strategy.