An Electronically Scanned Precision Runway Monitor

Denis A. Greening and Allen I. Sinsky

Abstract:	Anew electronically scanned secondary surveillance radar system is being demonstrated at Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU). The purpose of this system, known as the E-Scan Precision Runway Monitor, is to monitor air traffic on instrument approaches to closely spaced parallel runways (Figure 1). Current FAA standards require a minimum of 4,300 feet separation between runways in order to conduct independent approaches to parallel runways under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). The E-Scan Precision Runway Monitor, utilizing phased array antenna technology, is able to update aircraft positions information much more often than conventional mechanically steered systems. It is hoped that this higher update rate will allow the runway separation standard to be reduced to less than 3,000 feet. The RDU runways are 3,500 feet apart. In 1987, the FAA awarded a turnkey management contract to MS1 Services, Inc., to establish the PRM system at RDU. In May of 1987, MS1 awarded a contract to the Allied-Signal Aerospace Company’s Bendix Communications Division to develop the secondary radar and display system. The system has been operating for about a year and is presently undergoing extensive operational testing. Some studies have concluded that separation standards might be reduced if the secondary surveillance radar system’s accuracy (currently 5 milliradians) and update interval (currently 4.8 seconds) could be improved. The PRM has an accuracy of 1 milliradian and a standard update interval down to 0.5 second. This paper describes the RDU installation, including the 17-foot-diameter, electronically steered antenna subsystem and the color graphics display. Preliminary test data is presented.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1991 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 22 - 24, 1991 Sheraton San Marcos Hotel Phoenix, AZ
Pages:	393 - 398
Cite this article:	Greening, Denis A., Sinsky, Allen I., "An Electronically Scanned Precision Runway Monitor," Proceedings of the 1991 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, Phoenix, AZ, January 1991, pp. 393-398.
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