Surface motion radar works by emitting radio waves from an antenna that rotates or scans the designated area. These waves bounce off objects such as planes or vehicles on the ground and return to the radar antenna. By analyzing the time it takes for radio waves to return and their Doppler shift (change in frequency due to movement), the radar system can calculate the distance, speed and direction of detected objects.
This information is then displayed to air traffic controllers, allowing them to effectively monitor and manage the movement of aircraft and vehicles on airport surfaces.
The range of surface motion radar typically extends up to several kilometers, depending on the specific radar system and environmental conditions. Modern radars used for surface movements at airports are designed to cover the entire runway, taxiway and apron areas, ensuring comprehensive surveillance and tracking of aircraft and ground vehicles within the operational limits of the airport. ‘airport.
Range capability is crucial to providing accurate and timely information to air traffic controllers to facilitate safe and efficient ground operations.
Surface motion guidance and control systems (SMGC) integrate various technologies, including surface motion radar, ground lighting systems, and other sensors, to improve the safety and effectiveness of aircraft and vehicle movements on airport surfaces.
SMGCS uses radar data, along with information from other systems such as Automatic Surveillance Surveillance (ADS-B) and Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE), to provide situational awareness in real-time to pilots and ground controllers. By displaying aircraft and vehicle positions, SMGCS helps prevent runway incursions, optimizes ground traffic flow and improves overall operational safety at airports.
Air traffic control (ATC) radar works by continuously emitting radio waves from a radar antenna on the ground. These waves travel through the atmosphere and reflect off nearby planes.
By detecting the time it takes waves to return and their Doppler shift, the ATC radar determines the precise position, altitude and speed of aircraft. This information is crucial for air traffic controllers to maintain safe separation between aircraft, provide instructions to pilots, and ensure the orderly and efficient movement of air traffic within controlled airspace. ATC radar systems operate in specific frequency bands (such as S-band or L-band) suitable for air traffic surveillance and management purposes