Surface movement radar

As a ground-penetrating radar (also: airfield surveillance radar or (English ) SMR surface movement radar ) are based on radar-type systems called that are used to monitor the positions of aircraft and vehicles on the taxiways of an airport. Ground-penetrating radar is one of the rolling guide system.

Ground radar systems are mainly used when a visual inspection of transport - for example, through the mist - is no longer effective possible. The automatic detection of vehicles and planes on the taxiways also allows the processor-based processing of the resulting data, and thus the automated warning of potentially dangerous situations on the runway.

Basis of a typical ground radar system is a primary radar system. Such systems are to locate aircraft and vehicles in the position, but an identification is not possible. For this reason, still another system, a secondary radar system, be used. This then enables the targeted identification of suitably equipped aircraft and ground vehicles.

Alternatives

The position of vehicles and aircraft on the taxiways can also be done by means of sunken in the ground induction loops. Since in this case, however, there is no continuous monitoring, this method no adequate substitute for a ground radar system dar. On smaller airfields without or with only a few intersecting taxiways will nevertheless be applied, as it is more cost effective and potential in these cases only a limited number danger points and situations must be covered so that continuous monitoring does not seem necessary.

Currently ( 2006) there is a rolling guide system is based on magnetic field sensors still in the experimental stage.