A review of radar as a sensor for advanced surface movement guidance and control systems (A-SMGCS)

Over the past decade or so there has been increasing interest and recognition of the ground movement environment as part of the overall air traffic control problem. There are a number of reasons for this, both on safety and airport efficiency grounds. One recognition of this was the adoption by Eurocontrol of a gate to gate air traffic control concept. There is also considerable activity by organisations such as FAA, ICAO, the EU, and EUROCAE. As an example of this, the FAA is currently procuring a large number of ground surveillance systems for use at USA airports. Equally many European airports and aviation authorities are purchasing or have recently purchased surface movement systems. Traditionally, radar has been the main sensor for surveillance of the airport surface. While this is still the case, the overall concept of ground movement control is considerably more complex than that of the radar alone, and will involve multiple types of sensor data fused to provide data output. This paper presents a short review of the overall A-SMGS system concept, before discussing in more detail the radar problem per se and a overview of current system trends.