The range of air traffic control (ATC) radar systems varies depending on the type and location of the radar installation. Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR), which operates in the frequency range of approximately 960-1215 MHz, typically has a range of up to 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 kilometers). The PSR detects and tracks aircraft by analyzing echoes of radio waves reflected from the aircraft, providing critical information about their position, altitude and speed to air traffic controllers. The ATC radar range allows controllers to effectively monitor and manage air traffic within their designated airspace.
Airport radar, often called terminal surveillance radar (TSR) or airport surface detection equipment (ASDE), is designed for high-range surveillance of aircraft movements indoors and at airports. The range of the airport’s radar systems generally extends up to 60 nautical miles (approximately 111 kilometers) and covers airspace and ground operations near the airport. Airport radar provides critical taxi, takeoff, landing and ground movement data, ensuring safe and orderly operations in the airport environment.
Airport radar systems can “see” with respect to their maximum operational range, which for some systems can be up to 60 nautical miles (approximately 111 kilometers) depending on the specific radar installation and environmental conditions. The ability of airport radar to detect and track aircraft movements at considerable distances supports air traffic controllers in managing traffic flows, sequencing arrivals and departures, and maintaining safe separation between aircraft during the approach, landing and departure phases.
The frequency of air traffic control (ATC) radar systems varies depending on the specific radar type and operational requirements. Primary surveillance radar (PSR), used for basic surveillance of aircraft positions, operates in the frequency range of approximately 960-1215 MHz. The secondary surveillance radar (SSR), which provides additional capabilities for aircraft identification and data exchange via transponder signals, operates in the frequency range of 1030-1090 MHz. These frequency bands are allocated internationally to ensure compatibility and interoperability between ATC radar systems, enabling seamless communication and monitoring of aircraft in controlled airspace.
The accuracy of air traffic control (ATC) radar systems depends on various factors, including the type of radar technology, environmental conditions, and the operational range of the radar. Generally, ATC radar systems are designed to provide high position accuracy for aircraft surveillance. Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR) typically provides accuracy in measuring aircraft position within a few hundred meters to several kilometers, depending on the range of the radar and the distance to the target aircraft. Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) improves accuracy by providing additional information such as aircraft identification and altitude derived from transponder signals. Overall, ATC radar systems are critical tools for air traffic controllers, providing reliable and accurate information to ensure safe and efficient management of air traffic in controlled airspace.