Primary Radar in ATC

1
Primary Radar in ATC

• ITU Radar Seminar
• Poul Erik Jørgensen
• DAS ATS HMI Manager
• 24. 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 Primary Radars in the
50s and early 60s the controller could control
traffic with a separation of 10 to 15 NM. Paper
strips still used. Capacity increased.
4
Correlation
Australia Sticky shrimp boats UK Horizontal
displays for shrimp boats. Capacity increased
again as the controller didnt have to memorise
the traffic.
5
Controlling the traffic
Controller working with paper strips and
Primary Radar.
6
Controlling the traffic
Controllers working with Paper strips and
combined Primary and Secondary Radars. Flight
Data processing allows for automatic correlations
of Flight Plans and radar tracks. Separation of
5 to 10 NM in en-route and 3 to 5 NM in TMA. The
capacity increases. Such systems are still in
use today.
7
Modern System
Modern system with Combined primary and SSR
radars and Flight Plan System which
correlate automatically.
8
Modern System
System has advanced functionality to support
the controllers. Electronic interface to update
the system. No paper strips.
9
Where is primary radar used today?

• En-route control.
• Terminal Area (TMA) control.
• Ground control.

10
How is primary radar used today?

• En-route/TMA
• Complement SSR. No Transponder, Transponder U/S,
  Safety (Intruders)
• Back-up for SSR. SSR radar failure
• Weather. Display of severe weather to the
  controller
• Ground Advanced systems are used today to
  control traffic on the ground.
• Shared with military

11
Radar degradation

• Increased workload/stress.
• Safety issue.
• Reduced capacity.

12
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.