Sunday, July 31, 2016

Tesla Looking at Autopilot Florida Crash - sensors or software?


Mr Brown had engaged the Autopilot on his Tesla and was apparently watching a Harry Potter film when the truck suddenly pulled in front of him. He was travelling at 74mph when the smash occured
This file photo provided by the National Transportation Safety Board
via the Florida Highway Patrol shows the Tesla Model S
that was being driven by Joshua Brown
AP Sources: Tesla Looking at Cameras, Radar in Florida Crash - ABC News
Tesla engineers told members of a Senate committee they are looking into the role cameras and radar played in the fatal crash of a Model S using self-driving mode, according to two people familiar with a meeting held Thursday.

The engineers have two main theories, the people said. Either the car's cameras and radar failed to spot a crossing tractor-trailer. Or the cameras didn't see the rig and the car's computer thought the radar signal was false, possibly from an overpass or sign.

In the briefing, Tesla officials told staffers that radar sensors connected to the automated braking system may have spotted the tractor-trailer, but the Model S computer may be designed to "tune out" overhead structures, such as bridges and highway signs, "to avoid the triggering of false braking events," the person said.

Tesla has said previously that Autopilot was unable to distinguish the white side of the truck from the brightly lit sky and there was no attempt to brake by either the self-driving system or Brown.

Does Tesla's Autopilot Suffer From A Dangerous Blind Spot?

The Tesla Model S in Autopilot mode seems to have a large, important blind spot above the car’s hood. The primary forward-facing sensors used by autopilot are a radar emitter located on the front of the car, centrally and below the upper false grille area, and a camera, mounted at the top of the windshield in front of the rear-view mirror assembly.

The camera above provides the system with lane-keeping information, speed limit data, the radar unit provides the ability to detect cars in front and determine how far away they are. These sensors combine with a dozen ultrasonic sensors around the car that give a limited-range (about 16 feet) “view” of the area around the car covering a full 360°.

While these do provide an impressive sense of the surrounding world to the car’s electronic brains, it does seem to leave a large hole from, essentially, the hoodline of the car and up. The upper camera doesn’t appear to be tasked with looking for obstacles in that volume of space, and the forward radar assembly is calmly unaware of what is happening less than a foot or so above it.

 Related/Background:

Monday, July 25, 2016

Aussie Firm Flirtey Delivers with UAV at US FAA Test Sites

Matthew Sweeny, CEO Flirtey
The First Urban Drone Delivery Just Happened In Nevada | Popular Science
Hawthorne, Nevada isn’t known for much. The town of roughly 3,000 sits on the western edge of the state, near an Army ammunition depot, and not much else. Announced today, Hawthorne is now the site of what might be a historic precedent: the first urban delivery in the United States by a fully autonomous drone.

The drone was flown by drone delivery company Flirtey, which got it's start in 2013 in Australia, delivering textbooks to universities, before it moved to Nevada. Its six-engine multicopter flew along a predetermined path. When it reached the target house, it lowered a package containing bottled water, emergency food, and a first aid kit. The house was uninhabited, as the flight was a demonstration of what a rescue drone might be able to carry to people in need. Flirtey already conducted a rural delivery test, so it makes sense that urban was next, even if that “urban” is defined as a fairly small town. According to Flirtey CEO Matthew Sweeney, 86% of packages are 5.5 pounds or less, and that the drone is designed to carry payloads that size up to 10 miles away.

Flirtey completes first FAA-approved drone home delivery | 2016-07-25 | Microwave Journal
“This delivery required special flight planning, risk analysis, and detailed flight procedures ensuring residential safety and privacy were equally integrated,” said Chris Walach, Director of Operations for NIAS.

At a Reno, Nevada 7-Eleven® store, two deliveries were successfully completed. 7-Eleven merchandise – including hot and cold food items – were loaded into a unique Flirtey drone delivery container and flown autonomously using precision GPS to a local customer’s house. Once at the family’s backyard, the Flirtey drone hovered in place and gently lowered each package. The purchases were delivered to the family in the span of a few minutes. In the future, both companies expect drone packages to include “everyday essentials” such as batteries and sunscreen.

Flirtey Drone's First Slurpee Delivery is No Big Deal - Nanalyze
The big news came this week when 7-11 and Flirtey conducted a single delivery which consisted of 2 one-mile flights between 7-11 and someone’s house leading the press to issue headlines such as the following:
They conducted a single delivery as a publicity stunt on their [7-Eleven] 89th birthday. It hardly spells the beginning of 7-11 delivering now by drones. In another instance this year, a Flirtey drone flew three 3-minute flights and delivered 10 pounds of medicine from an airbase to a clinic, showing “the potential for using drones to deliver goods to remote areas“. That’s a great proof of concept and all but Matternet has actually been doing this since 2011. Last month Flirtey conducted the “first domestic ship-to-shore drone delivery” which involved delivering a drone to a ship with some supplies and having the ship send the drone back with a return delivery.
In another instance this year, Flirtey said that it completed the first “federally sanctioned” delivery to a U.S. urban area without the need for a human to steer the drone. The half-a-mile drone flight resulted in a delivery being left at an uninhabited house leaving one to think that this was one of the stipulations required by the FAA to run the test, in which case we’d be much more impressed seeing a delivery or two to a proper inhabited urban area. Here’s what ZDNet stated about the event:
In an uninhabited residential setting in Hawthorne, Nevada, the company successfully delivered a package that included bottled water, emergency food and a first aid kit by drone. The test was performed at one of six FAA-designated Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Sites, and the Flirtey operation is investigating rescue and crisis response in disaster-prone areas.
Calling a drone flight “FAA approved” when you’re conducting it in an “FAA-designated drone testing area” seems a bit misleading. Nonetheless, Flirtey has managed to raise $3.9 million from investors that include Qualcomm and is posturing itself as a viable competitor to much biggest companies that are exploring drone delivery like Google and Amazon.


Flirtey: The rise of the drones... - Australia Unlimited
Flirtey is launching an unmanned aerial delivery service to smartphones. Flirtey develops autonomous robots capable of delivering packages to a GPS location from a warehouse, restaurant, or other launch location. Flirtey's technology enables secure and safe operations at scale. Flirtey hopes to turn Australia into a worldwide industry leader for the use of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) in e-commerce deliveries.

ICTAS: Unmanned aircraft used in historic flights to reside at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum 
Historic Flirtey Drone Donated to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum | Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate
(April 28, 2016)— The Flirtey drone used to make the first FAA-approved drone delivery in the United States has been accepted into the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, which displays the Space Shuttle Discovery, the SR-71 Blackbird and the first aircraft operated by FedEx.


Flirtey making history with the first US drone delivery - YouTube

The six-rotor drone delivered medication to a rural medical clinic in Wise Virginia on July 17, 2015 after the medication was flown to a regional airport by a remotely operated NASA winged aircraft. The carbon fiber and aluminum drone has a delivery system that works by lowering the package in a controlled manner while the drone hovers in place. Built-in safety features include an automatic return-to-safe-location in case of low battery, low GPS signal or communication loss. Through participation from NASA’s Langley Research Center, Virginia Tech and the Mid Atlantic Aviation Partnership, Flirtey’s delivery showcased the massive commercial potential of drone delivery in the United States and around the world.

Flirtey CEO Matt Sweeny said, “Flirtey’s delivery was the ‘Kitty Hawk moment’ for the drone industry and it is fitting that our delivery drone will now be part of the same institution that displays the Wright Flyer”. “With Flirtey’s leadership, the enormous potential and inevitability of delivery by drone is clear,” said Sweeny “Flirtey is proud to be a part of the Smithsonian’s unequaled aviation collection.”
Flirtey's drone to be exhibited in Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum - Startup Daily
The drone was delivered to the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, which is located near Washington Dulles International Airport. The center displays the some of the most important artifacts and advancements in aviation history. The drone will be put on exhibit after it has been prepared for long-term display by museum collections specialists. “This is a tremendous milestone for our team. When drones are as common place as mail trucks, delivering anything you desire, people will look back at this as where it all began and be inspired to realize the next great chapters in our dreams of flight,” said Flirtey co-founder Tom Bass. Flirtey is continuing its collaboration with the Virginia Tech Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, the Mid Atlantic Aviation Partnership, the NASA Langley Research Center, the Appalachian College of Pharmacy, Rx Partnership, the Health Wagon, Remote Area Medical, and the Business and Economic Development Office of Wise County, Virginia, and is planning to expand its drone delivery service in the United States.

Related/Background

Friday, July 15, 2016

NASA UAVSAR Onboard Processor images Natural Hazards

IEEE Xplore Abstract - Onboard Radar Processor Development for Rapid Response to Natural Hazards

Y. Lou, D. Clark, P. Marks, R. J. Muellerschoen and C. C. Wang, "Onboard Radar Processor Development for Rapid Response to Natural Hazards," in IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, vol. 9, no. 6, pp. 2770-2776, June 2016.
doi: 10.1109/JSTARS.2016.2558505

Abstract:

The unique capabilities of imaging radar to penetrate cloud cover and collect data in darkness over large areas at high resolution makes it a key information provider for the management and mitigation of natural and human-induced hazards. Researchers have demonstrated the use of UAVSAR data to determine flood extent, forest fire extent, lava flow, and landslide. Data latency of at most 2–3 h is required for the radar data to be of use to the disaster responders. We have developed a UAVSAR on-board processor for real time and autonomous operations that has  high fidelity and accuracy to enable timely generation of polarimetric and interferometric data products for rapid response applications. This on-board processor design provides a space-qualification path for technology infusion into future space missions in a high-radiation environment with modest power and weight allocations. The processor employs a hybrid architecture where computations are divided between field-programmable gate arrays, which are better suited to rapid, repetitious computations, and a microprocessor with a floating-point coprocessor that is better suited to the less frequent and irregular
computations. Prior to implementing phase preserving processor algorithms in FPGA code, we developed a bit-true processor model in  MATLAB that is modularized and parameterized for ease of testing and the ability to tradeoff processor design with performance. The on-board processor has been demonstrated on UAVSAR flights.

The final OBP, housed in a commercial cPCI chassis, is 17.5 × 43 × 36 cm and weighs 14 kg. For flight testing, it is rack mounted in the cabin of a NASA G-III jet that carries the UAVSAR radar in a pod beneath the fuselage. An optical cable from the radar pod provides formatted radar data to the OBP. Fig. 3 shows an image acquired on one of the flights. The OBP operates in real time, with an initial latency of 50 s. The latency is mainly due to two large buffers used in the processor: one is the large FIFO buffer that allows time for the preprocessor to make computations, and the other is the corner-turn buffer between range and azimuth processing. The average radar data rate to the OBP from the radar is approximately 6.1 MB/s (the rate varies with aircraft speed). When configured like the ground processor (e.g., with no postprocessing), the processor generates a high resolution fully focused patch of 6472 × 3328 complex samples every 8 s, and consumes 68 W of power, of which the FPGA board consumes 23 W. In comparison, the software ground processor running on a high-end desktop computer outputs a patch of similarly processed data approximately every 45 s (or about 1/6 of real time), and consumes 265 W of power. When fully configured with two FPGA boards and the postprocessor, the five-year old OBP consumes 125 W of power, which is expected to be at least 50% lower if new generation FPGAs and μP boards are used. Finally, the average high-resolution output data rate is approximately 16.1 MB/s, which is much too high for most available aircraft downlinks. As previously discussed, the postprocessor reduces the patch size to a user-defined resolution and converts the patches to images; at a typical final image size that we use of 600 KB, the OBP outputs data at approximately 75 KB/s.
Figure 3
keywords:
{Earth;Field programmable gate arrays;Radar imaging;Real-time systems;Software;Synthetic aperture radar;On-board processor (OBP);UAVSAR;rapid response;real-time processing;synthetic aperture radar (SAR)},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=7471399&isnumber=7503125

Related/Background:

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

USS Ford performance, budget and schedule problems grow

US Navy’s most expensive ship ever delayed again | Naval Today

CVN-78 cost jumps 23% and delivery slips 2 months in last 3 months due to hi tech
Back in April 2016, it was said the ship would be ready for delivery by September 2016.

The U.S. Navy did not specify why exactly the ship will be late but just said that Huntington Ingalls, the company in charge of constructing the carrier, was working on first-of-class issues together with the navy.

U.S. Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the entire situation was unacceptable and entirely preventable.

“The Navy’s announcement of another two-month delay in the delivery of CVN-78 further demonstrates that key systems still have not demonstrated expected performance. The advanced arresting gear (AAG) cannot recover airplanes. Advanced weapons elevators cannot lift munitions. The dual-band radar cannot integrate two radar bands,” McCain said.

He added that even if everything went according to plan, the CVN-78 would be delivered with multiple systems unproven.

What caused most problems in the shipbuilding program was the advanced arresting gear system which is, according to McCain $600 million over budget. Ford faced additional delays caused by shock trial tests which could have potentially pushed delivery back by two years.

The ship’s cost also rose by 23 percent to $12.9 billion, as opposed to a $10.5 billion estimate from 2007. This price tag makes the USS Gerald R. Ford and the other two ships in the class the most expensive ships the U.S. Navy has ever built.

The Navy in 2003 established a program to develop a new arresting gear system to safely land airplanes on its next-generation aircraft carriers. Now after years of technological problems, delays and cost overruns, the Navy will decide by December if it should go in a different direction.
A report issued Friday from the Defense Department Inspector General quantifies the extent of the problem in taxpayer dollars. As of October 2015, the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) program had recorded a 332 percent cost increase associated with research, development, test and evaluation.
That represents an overrun of $571.5 million from 2005 baseline numbers, the report says.

Related/Background:

FAA sustaining Airport Surface Surveillance systems

Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X)
ASDE-X - Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model-X

FAA Operational and Programmatic Deficiencies Impede Integration of Runway Safety Technologies - FAA Surface Surveillance Technologies^6-26-14.pdf
14
While FAA operates one of the world’s safest aviation systems, runway safety remains a significant concern. To ensure its safety technologies are fully functional, effectively mitigate safety risks, and help prevent future accidents on runways, FAA will need to address key operational and management issues with its individual programs and develop a coherent strategy for an integrated runway safety system with clear priorities and lines of accountability.

Obsolescence Study for FAA Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-3) System

In FY10, the FAA Logistics Center performed a supportability study of the Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model-3 (ASDE-3) system. The supportability study identified several line replaceable units (LRU’s) which required some degree of proactive effort and additional funding to guarantee support through the system life-cycle.

To ensure continued sustainment of the ASDE-3 system through the projected lifespan of 2030, a renewed supportability study must be developed to identify sustainment risks that must be addressed.

Sustain Aging Systems « ARC Technology Solutions
Systems Sustainment is the ability to support fielded systems and extend their useful life cycle. Many aging radar, weapons, and communications systems face obsolescence and sustainability issues. Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Materials Shortages (DMSMS) can render a system inoperable, creating a potentially perilous situation. Often with technology dating as far back as the 1960s and 1970s, there are many systems deployed within the DoD and FAA whose life cycle must be extended due to functionality and cost considerations.

Related/Background:

Airport Surface Detection Equipment References:

  1. G. Go and J. W. Ianniello, "Third generation airport surface detection equipment design," Aerospace and Electronics Conference, 1994. NAECON 1994., Proceedings of the IEEE 1994 National, Dayton, OH, 1994, pp. 1301-1308 vol.2.
    • doi: 10.1109/NAECON.1994.332891
    • Abstract: The Federal Aviation Administration under the National Airspace System Plan is modernizing its airport radar for surface surveillance. Part of this modernization program includes the installation of the third generation of Airport Surface Detection Equipment known as ASDE-3. This major advancement over existing equipment uses modern radar technology to provide ground controllers with a crisp, clutter free display of surface targets, even under conditions of severely limited airport visibility. Modern digital technology provides advanced viewing capabilities. These include airport map overlays and operator selectable window insets on each display. The windows can be rotated and magnified. These features allow critical areas to be viewed clearly, providing valuable assistance to ground traffic controllers. The high quality of the processed radar returns is being used to extend the function of ASDE-3 to further aid the ground controllers and enhance airport safety. Information from sensors monitoring approaching aircraft has been combined with ASDE-3 to provide automatic runway incursion warnings. This paper describes the design and implementation of ASDE-3. Methods are proposed to expand ASDE-3 to support the next generation of automatic traffic monitoring systems
    • keywords: {air traffic computer control;air-traffic control;airports;radar applications;radar systems;ASDE-3;Federal Aviation Administration;advanced viewing capabilities;airport radar;approaching aircraft;automatic runway incursion warnings;ground traffic controllers;processed radar returns;surface surveillance;surface targets;third generation airport surface detection equipment design;Air traffic control;Airports;Automatic control;Computerized monitoring;Displays;FAA;Radar clutter;Radar detection;Surveillance;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=332891&isnumber=7851
    T. A. Seliga and F. J. Coyne, "Multistatic radar as a means of dealing with the detection of multipath false targets by airport surface detection equipment radars," Radar Conference, 2003. Proceedings of the 2003 IEEE, 2003, pp. 329-336.
    • doi: 10.1109/NRC.2003.1203422
    • Abstract: An evaluation of the applicability of multistatic radar concepts to the performance of airport surface detection equipment (ASDE) was performed via proof-of-concept (POC) experiments at Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) during spring 2002. Multistatic radar configurations offer an effective means of mitigating against the detection of multipath false targets that often affect the performance of ASDE radars, particularly through their impact on automated alerting systems designed to warn controllers of runway incursions during takeoff and landing procedures. This paper identifies key features of a multistatic radar system for this application and presents a number of experimental results obtained during the POC. In order to test the efficacy of the concept, a bistatic receiving and recording system (BRRS) was designed and built to receive and record bistatic scattered energy derived from transmissions emanating from the ASDE-3 Ku -band radar. This system and other supporting instrumentation used for the POC are also included. The results of the POC demonstrated that multistatic radar concepts applied to ASDE-type radars are realizable and are useful for mitigation against the detection of multipath false targets.
    • keywords: {airports;collision avoidance;radar applications;radar detection;radar signal processing;target tracking;ASDE-3 Ku -band radar;Baltimore-Washington International Airport;airport surface detection equipment radar;automated alerting system;bistatic receiving and recording system;bistatic scattered energy;multipath false targets detection;multistatic radar;proof-of-concept;runway incursion;Airports;Automatic control;Control systems;Performance evaluation;Radar applications;Radar detection;Radar equipment;Radar scattering;Springs;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1203422&isnumber=27105
    J. Grajal, A. Asensio and L. Requejo, "From a high-resolution LFM-CW shipborne radar to an airport surface detection equipment," Radar Conference, 2004. Proceedings of the IEEE, 2004, pp. 157-160.
    • doi: 10.1109/NRC.2004.1316414
    • Abstract: This paper presents a modification of a linear frequency modulation-continuous waveform shipborne surveillance radar (Perez et al. (2002)) with two antennas to transform it into airport surface detection equipment with a single antenna. The most important additional subsystem for this new equipment is a reflected power canceller to overcome the problem of insufficient isolation between the transmitter and receiver due to imperfect matching between the transmitter and the antenna. This system is currently being developed by the Spanish company Indra Sistemas SA in co-operation with the Technical University of Madrid.
    • keywords: {CW radar;FM radar;airports;interference suppression;marine radar;radar antennas;radar detection;radar receivers;radar resolution;radar transmitters;ASDE;Indra Sistemas SA;LFM-CW shipborne radar;Technical University of Madrid;airport surface detection equipment;high-resolution shipborne radar;imperfect matching;linear frequency modulation-continuous waveform radar;radar antennas;receiver;reflected power canceller;single antenna;surveillance radar;transmitter isolation;Airports;Chirp modulation;Frequency modulation;Radar antennas;Radar detection;Radar equipment;Receiving antennas;Reflector antennas;Surveillance;Transmitters},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1316414&isnumber=29174
    C. E. Schwab and D. P. Rost, "Airport surface detection equipment," in Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 290-300, Feb. 1985.
    • doi: 10.1109/PROC.1985.13140
    • Abstract: A special-purpose, high-resolution, radar that maps the airport surface has proved a useful tool to monitor aircraft movements under conditions of poor visibility. Such radars are referred to as ASDE (Airport Surface Detection Equipment). The rationale for the design and critical parameter selection for the ASDE-3 is presented. Key features of the chosen design are a rotodome with variable focus antenna, frequency-agile TWT transmitter, and a digital scan converter. Each feature brought specific and significant improvement to the system performance and these improvements, are discussed in some depth.
    • keywords: {Airborne radar;Aircraft;Airports;Condition monitoring;Frequency conversion;Radar antennas;Radar detection;Radar equipment;Transmitting antennas;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1457408&isnumber=31346
    C. Evers, A. Smith and D. Lee, "Application of radar multistatic techniques to air traffic control," Radar Conference, 2000. The Record of the IEEE 2000 International, Alexandria, VA, 2000, pp. 763-768.
    • doi: 10.1109/RADAR.2000.851931
    • Abstract: An advanced surface movement guidance system (A-SMGCS) is needed to enhance safety and capacity of airport surface operations particularly under low visibility conditions. Standards are under surveillance systems development for applications by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) all weather operations panel for A-SMGCS, the airport surface navigation surveillance subgroup of RTCA Special Committee 159, and RTCA SC-186 for automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B). In support of these activities, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) developed an integrated A-SMGCS called the Low Visibility Landing and Surface Operations (LVLASO) system. This system was installed at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (ATL). A surface surveillance system performance evaluation of airport surface detection equipment (ASDE-3) radar, 1090 MHz ADS-B and Mode S multilateration was conducted. Research on multilateration optimization for the A-SMGCS application was performed
    • keywords: {aircraft landing guidance;radar detection;search radar;standards;A-SMGCS;ADS-B;ASDE-3 radar;Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport;FAA;Federal Aviation Administration;ICAO;International Civil Aviation Organization;LVLASO;Low Visibility Landing and Surface Operations system;Mode S multilateration;NASA;National Aeronautics and Space Administration;RTCA SC-186;RTCA Special Committee 159;advanced surface movement guidance system;air traffic control;airport surface detection equipment;airport surface navigation surveillance subgroup;all weather operations panel;automatic dependent surveillance broadcast;performance evaluation;radar multistatic techniques;standards;Air safety;Air traffic control;Airports;Broadcasting;FAA;Navigation;Radar applications;Standards development;Standards organizations;Surveillance},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=851931&isnumber=18502
    D. Hal and L. Surace, "Real time runway incursion cockpit advisory," 2007 IEEE/AIAA 26th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, Dallas, TX, 2007, pp. 5.A.2-1-5.A.2-9.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.2007.4391926
    • Abstract: Currently, alerts of potential runway incursions are generated by surveillance detection equipment and presented to air traffic controllers on display systems within the tower at properly equipped airports. In worst case scenarios, the process is performed manually by visual contact from aircrews or air traffic controllers. From the controller perspective, they must process this information, decipher specific aircraft of interest, and provide a warning or recommended resolution to the aircrew via voice communication. These "manual intervention" techniques result in reduced margin of safety in time critical incursion situations. The goal of the real-time runway incursion cockpit advisory flight test program is to add automation into this process by sending real-time runway incursion advisories directly to the flight crews of the potentially involved aircraft as well as to the air traffic controller. This paper describes the on-going collaboration between Sensis Corporation and Honeywell Aerospace to evaluate a ground and air solution for detecting, processing, and reporting real-time cockpit safety advisories in the event of a runway incursion. For this program, the surface taxi, short final approach, and immediate departure are the areas of interest. For these aircraft operating areas, advisories are generated and data linked to the specific flight crews. Sensis Corporation's airport surface detection equipment model X (ASDE-X) system installed as a test system at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) was used as the detection and conflict prediction system. The SYR ASDE-X implementation was optimized for detection of a set of primary runway incursion scenarios. The processing and calculation of aircraft positional information is accomplished by the ASDE-X multi-sensor data processor. Reporting of advisory conditions to the aircraft is accomplished through existing remote unit (RU) mode S encoded uplink at 1030 MHz. This demonstration program made use of sev- en unused values in an existing mode S message format field. On board the two potentially involved aircraft, Honeywell avionics receive and translate the values, map them to a predefined conflict type, and issue a corresponding audible alert to the flight crews. Any surface tracking system (ASDE-X or future other) capable of predicting aircraft position based on indicative dynamics can be used. The significant result from this demonstration is that for minimal investment of time and money a detecting ground system can be coupled via data link to existing avionics to gain precious seconds that may differentiate an avoided surface collision from disaster.
    • keywords: {aerospace industry;air safety;air traffic control;sensor fusion;Honeywell Aerospace;Honeywell avionics;Sensis Corporation;Syracuse Hancock International Airport;air traffic controllers;aircraft positional information;airport surface detection equipment model X system;conflict prediction system;flight test program;frequency 1030 MHz;manual intervention techniques;mode S message format field;multi-sensor data processor;real time runway incursion cockpit advisory;remote unit mode;short final approach;surface taxi;surveillance detection equipment;time critical incursion situations;Aerospace control;Aerospace electronics;Aerospace safety;Air traffic control;Aircraft;Airports;Displays;Poles and towers;Surveillance;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4391926&isnumber=4391811
    T. A. Seliga and F. J. Coyne, "Potential enhancements to the performance of ASDE radars derived from multistatic radar principles," Digital Avionics Systems, 2001. DASC. 20th Conference, Daytona Beach, FL, 2001, pp. 7C4/1-7C4/16 vol.2.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.2001.964194
    • Abstract: Airport surface surveillance systems, such as airport surface detection equipment (ASDE) radars, are susceptible to multipath propagation and scattering effects that can result in the placement of false targets located at critical locations on airport surfaces such as runways and taxiways. Such false targets can readily compromise the performance of these radars and lead to highly undesirable controller reactions, including unnecessarily aborting landing and takeoff operations when such multipath false targets are located on runways. These situations affect the efficiency of operations and also reduce user confidence in ASDE radar and related systems, thereby adversely affect safety. Evaluation of this problem led to consideration of enhancing ASDE radar performance by transforming the current monostatic radar to a multistatic configuration (ASDE-MP). Multistatic radar provides for multiple detection of targets as well as significant differential responses to the multipath scattering phenomenon responsible for false target detection. The latter property diminishes the detection of false targets by combining information from a number of radar receivers, positioned at different locations to provide surveillance over common areas of interest on the airport surface
    • keywords: {air traffic control;airports;multipath channels;radar applications;radar receivers;search radar;ASDE radars;ASDE-MP;airport surface detection equipment;airport surface surveillance systems;false target detection;false targets;landing operations;multipath propagation;multipath scattering;multistatic radar principles;radar receivers;scattering effects;takeoff operations;Airports;Radar antennas;Radar detection;Radar equipment;Radar imaging;Radar polarimetry;Radar scattering;Radar tracking;Surveillance;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=964194&isnumber=20787
    D. S. Mazel and A. Barry, "Mobile Ravin: Intrusion Detection and Tracking with Organic Airport Radar and Video Systems," Proceedings 40th Annual 2006 International Carnahan Conference on Security Technology, Lexington, KY, 2006, pp. 30-33.
    • doi: 10.1109/CCST.2006.313426
    • Abstract: Currently, airport perimeter intrusion detection primarily relies on visual surveillance by security personnel and is often augmented with video cameras. This approach is limited to day light hours and degrades with bad weather. We are developing a proof of concept system, mobile RAVIN, that detects intrusions as small as a human, works at all hours and all weather conditions, and provides rapid situational awareness to security personnel. The mobile RAVIN (radar and video integrated on mobile object architecture) system has been installed and tested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) in February 2006. It uses the airport security display processor (ASDP) - an integrated radar signal processor, track processor, and display processor system that derives threat information from the FAA's airport surface detection equipment (ASDE-3) ground surveillance radar systems. This approach leverages existing airport assets to provide a cost effective suite of security sensors. The mobile RAVIN system performs filtering and tracking on the ASDE-3 radar data, initiates and maintains video tracks of objects, and fuses radar and video tracks for operator display. It also allows operators to slew a video camera to a radar track location which reduces false alarms and nuisance alarms. Finally, we developed a display to show the radar and video tracks overlaid on a map of the airport
    • keywords: {airports;ground penetrating radar;object detection;radar signal processing;security;target tracking;video surveillance;airport security display processor;airport surface detection equipment;display processor system;ground surveillance radar;intrusion detection;mobile RAVIN;object tracking;organic airport radar;radar and video integrated on mobile object architecture;radar signal processor;radar track location;security sensors;track processor;video cameras;visual surveillance;Airports;Cameras;Displays;Information security;Intrusion detection;Personnel;Radar detection;Radar tracking;Surveillance;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4105313&isnumber=4105293
    V. Edwards and C. Evers, "Loop technology (LOT) as an alternative surface surveillance system," Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 1998. Proceedings., 17th DASC. The AIAA/IEEE/SAE, Bellevue, WA, 1998, pp. F45/1-F45/9 vol.2.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.1998.739829
    • Abstract: This paper provides an overview and preliminary results for demonstration of a prototype distributed loop-based system called LOT. This paper contains only the understanding and views of the authors and is not intended to reflect the official position of the FAA. The FAA completed the first phase of a prototype system installation in 1997 at Long Beach Airport (LGB) in California. This prototype applies inductive loops, a mature technology, to the airport surface surveillance application. The project also involves a technology transfer of neural network signal processing technology from Department of Defense to form a non-cooperative surface movement sensor system. LOT has the potential to be used in a standalone mode or as a supplemental sensor input to an Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE) radar surface surveillance system
    • keywords: {air traffic control;airports;neural nets;surveillance;technology transfer;Long Beach Airport;airport surface detection equipment;distributed loop-based system;inductive loops;loop technology;neural network signal processing technology;noncooperative surface movement sensor system;radar surface surveillance system;standalone mode;surface surveillance system;technology transfer;Airports;FAA;Neural networks;Prototypes;Radar detection;Radar signal processing;Sensor systems;Surveillance;Technology transfer;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=739829&isnumber=15955
    V. Edwards and C. Evers, "Loop technology (LOT) as an alternative surface surveillance system," Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 1998. Proceedings., 17th DASC. The AIAA/IEEE/SAE, Bellevue, WA, 1998, pp. F33/1-F33/8 vol.2.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.1998.739822
    • Abstract: This paper provides an overview and preliminary results for demonstration of a prototype distributed loop-based system called LOT. This paper contains only the understanding and views of the authors and is not intended to reflect the official position of the FAA. The FAA completed the first phase of a prototype system installation in 1997 at Long Beach Airport (LGB) in California. This prototype applies inductive loops, a mature technology, to the airport surface surveillance application. The project also involves a technology transfer of neural network signal processing technology from Department of Defense to form a non-cooperative surface movement sensor system. LOT has the potential to be used in a standalone mode or as a supplemental sensor input to an Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE) radar surface surveillance system
    • keywords: {air traffic control;airports;neural nets;radar applications;radar signal processing;search radar;FAA;LOT;Long Beach Airport;airport surface detection equipment;distributed loop-based system;inductive loops;loop technology;neural network signal processing technology;noncooperative surface movement sensor system;radar surface surveillance;standalone mode;surface surveillance system;Airports;FAA;Neural networks;Prototypes;Radar detection;Radar signal processing;Sensor systems;Surveillance;Technology transfer;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=739822&isnumber=15955
    T. P. Waldron, "Detecting airport surface movement events using ground surveillance," 2009 IEEE/AIAA 28th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, Orlando, FL, 2009, pp. 4.C.1-1-4.C.1-8.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.2009.5347494
    • Abstract: The availability of high-quality multi-sensor surveillance for the airport enables new forms of surface movement analysis. The Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X) system provides precise time-stamped position and velocity reports associated with aircraft identification codes, as required for its primary mission of improving situation awareness in the air traffic control (ATC) tower. Many additional trajectory properties can be estimated from the same source. ASDE-X has no requirements for estimating and reporting acceleration in real time. However, the ability to estimate acceleration improves the ability to detect maneuvers. For the purpose of this paper, a maneuver is defined to be any acceleration of sufficient magnitude and duration to affect operational decisions. The focus of this paper is on the feasibility of estimating acceleration as part of non-real-time analysis, the ability to relate those acceleration estimates to maneuver recognition, and the operational applications of such a capability. Deeper understanding of surface activity can be obtained by re-processing surveillance data for precise trajectory reconstruction. Changes in velocity, including starts, turns, and stops, are particularly significant for operational analysis; the timing of such events in relation to airport geometry and the movement of other traffic can indicate the reasons for the observed behavior. For example, slowing can be explained by the need to yield to converging traffic at an intersection, and stopping can be explained by proximity to a hold line or joining the end of a queue. This paper shows results on the sensitivity and precision with which these surface movement events can be detected and measured. In addition, examples of the potential use of these events in studies of operational efficiency and safety will be given. Particular examples include relating speed changes to fuel use and emissions metrics, and relating acceleration from a stop to the reco- gnition of runway entry and start of take-off roll.
    • keywords: {air traffic control;ground penetrating radar;ground support equipment;Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X;air traffic control;airport surface movement events;ground surveillance;Acceleration;Aerospace control;Air traffic control;Aircraft;Airports;Availability;Event detection;Surveillance;Traffic control;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5347494&isnumber=5347412
    A. Srivastava, "Improving departure taxi time predictions using ASDE-X surveillance data," Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), 2011 IEEE/AIAA 30th, Seattle, WA, 2011, pp. 2B5-1-2B5-14.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.2011.6095989
    • Abstract: Flights incur a large percentage of delay on the ground during the departure process; however, predicting the taxi-out time is difficult due to uncertainties associated with the factors influencing it, such as airport surface traffic, downstream traffic restrictions, runway configuration, weather, and human causes. Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X) surveillance data provides high resolution coverage of aircraft surface movement which can be leveraged to address this problem. This paper presents a novel approach which builds an adaptive taxi-out prediction model based on a historical traffic flow database generated using the ASDE-X data. The model correlates taxi-out time and taxi-out delay to a set of explanatory variables such as aircraft queue position, distance to the runway, arrival rates, departure rates and weather. Two prediction models are developed. One treats aircraft movement from starting location to the runway threshold uniformly while the other models aircraft time to get to the runway queue different from the wait time experienced by the aircraft while in the runway queue. The models are evaluated using data from New York's John F Kennedy (JFK) airport during the summer of 2010. Results show significant improvement in taxi-out predictions as compared to predictions from FAA's Enhanced Traffic Management System (ETMS).
    • keywords: {aerospace instrumentation;surveillance;ASDE-X surveillance data;ETMS;FAA enhanced traffic management system;adaptive taxi-out prediction model;aircraft queue position;aircraft surface movement;airport surface detection equipment-model X surveillance data;airport surface traffic;departure taxi time predictions;downstream traffic restrictions;runway configuration;taxi-out delay;taxi-out time;Air traffic control;Aircraft;Airports;Atmospheric modeling;Data models;Meteorology;Predictive models},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6095989&isnumber=6095898
    E. Piazza, "Increasing airport efficiency: injecting new technology," in IEEE Intelligent Systems, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 10-13, May/Jun 2002.
    • doi: 10.1109/MIS.2002.1005625
    • Abstract: Advanced surface movement guidance and control systems (A-SMGCS) - called airport surface detection equipment in North America - can potentially solve the airport capacity bottleneck while maintaining at least the current safety level. A-SMGCS are becoming increasingly sophisticated and play a major role in avoiding runway incursions. To investigate the feasibility of phasing in new technology to ease airport operations, the European Commission has funded several research projects. The latest project, called VISION (improVed aIrport A-SMGCS by integrated multisensor data fuSION), aims to apply all the technologies developed in previous projects, including A-SMGCS, to a set of real airports.
    • keywords: {airports;ground support equipment;ground support systems;information technology;intelligent control;research initiatives;A-SMGCS;European Commission;VISION project;advanced surface movement guidance and control systems;airport capacity bottleneck;airport efficiency;airport operations;airport surface detection equipment;integrated multi-sensor data fusion;intelligent transportation systems;new technology;research projects;runway incursions;safety level maintenance;Air safety;Air traffic control;Airports;Communication system traffic control;Intelligent transportation systems;Intelligent vehicles;Radar;Software safety;Surveillance;System testing},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1005625&isnumber=21699
    A. S. Barry and J. Czechanski, "Ground surveillance radar for perimeter intrusion detection," Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 2000. Proceedings. DASC. The 19th, Philadelphia, PA, 2000, pp. 7B5/1-7B5/7 vol.2.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.2000.884927
    • Abstract: Airport security is a key issue that is being addressed worldwide by civil aviation agencies to counter the threat of terrorism. Pursuing numerous initiatives appropriate combination of techniques that will yield a realistic and cost-effective solution to this problem. This paper addresses one such solution, using the Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-3) radar for perimeter intrusion detection. The ASDE-3 system is now deployed at 34 major US airports as part of the FAA's Runway Incursion Reduction Program. The systems provide rapid, high-resolution imagery of aircraft and vehicular traffic to tower controllers. The ASDE-3 system also has the potential to provide a similar level of surveillance for human targets and this intelligence can be made available to security personnel without interfering with Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations. The conditions under which the ASDE-3 can detect human targets and the regions of a major airport where this detection is possible are fully investigated in this program. The paper presents the results of an analysis performed under FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center Research Grant 99-G-042
    • keywords: {access control;airports;digital simulation;ground support equipment;radar imaging;search radar;ASDE-3 radar;Airport Surface Detection Equipment;FAA;US airports;cost-effective solution;high-resolution imagery;human targets;perimeter intrusion detection;safety;surveillance;terrorism;Air traffic control;Airports;Counting circuits;FAA;Humans;Intrusion detection;Radar;Security;Surveillance;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=884927&isnumber=19106
    V. Capezzuto and E. Currier, "Acquiring new technology for US airports," Engineering Management Conference, 2002. IEMC '02. 2002 IEEE International, 2002, pp. 481-484 vol.1.
    • doi: 10.1109/IEMC.2002.1038479
    • Abstract: Ensuring safety in America's airports is of primary concern to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As airport traffic increases, the dual challenge of maintaining a high threshold of safety while enabling future growth in capacity has become the focus of new technology acquisitions. To that end, the FAA is focused on deploying advanced technology to enhance the situational awareness of air traffic controllers by acquiring the Airport Surface Detection Equipment-Model X (ASDE-X), a multi-sensor data fusion surveillance system. The ASDE-X base system, consisting of a primary radar subsystem multilateration subsystem, data fusion subsystem and a display processor subsystem, provides controllers with aircraft vehicle position and identification information overlaid on a color map depicting the airport runways/taxiways and approach corridor leading to the runways. This "system of systems" approach, largely consisting of commercial off-the-shelf components, supports deployment of a modular, scaleable system, which will meet the needs of the varied airport configurations in the US National Airspace System (NAS) as well as facilitate quick adaptation to airport expansion.
    • keywords: {airports;radar applications;sensor fusion;technology management;ASDE-X;Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model X;Federal Aviation Administration;National Airspace System;US airports;air traffic controllers;aircraft vehicle identification information;aircraft vehicle position;airport approach corridor;airport expansion;airport runways;airport taxiways;airport traffic;color map;data fusion subsystem;display processor subsystem;multi-sensor data fusion surveillance system;multilateration subsystem;primary radar subsystem;safety;Air safety;Air traffic control;Airborne radar;Airports;Displays;FAA;Process control;Radar detection;Surveillance;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1038479&isnumber=22257
    A. Daskalakis and P. Martone, "A technical assessment of ADS-B and multilateration technology in the Gulf of Mexico," Radar Conference, 2003. Proceedings of the 2003 IEEE, 2003, pp. 370-378.
    • doi: 10.1109/NRC.2003.1203428
    • Abstract: Two aircraft surveillance technologies, multilateration and ADS-B, have emerged during the past few years and now appear to be possible alternatives to traditional primary and secondary radar systems. Multilateration has been tested extensively for airport surface applications - e.g., test in Atlanta (1996) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tests at Dallas-Forth Worth (1998-1999). The FAA plans to deploy multilateration/ADS-B systems as part of the airport surface detection equipment-X (ASDE-X) system now scheduled for installation at 25 non-ASDE-3 equipped airports. There is, however, limited experience with multilateration for tracking of airborne aircraft. HITS, based on commercially available equipment, forms the ground segment of a dual-technology multilateration and ADS-B aircraft tracking system. Multiateration utilizes signals from air traffic control radar beacon system (ATCRBS) (Modes A and C) and Mode S transponders, and requires no changes in current aircraft equipage. HITS also operates with signals from ADS-B Mode S extended squitter transponders now being considered for operation in the National Airspace Systems (NAS). To assess the performance of HITS, technical requirements were derived from ATCBI-6 SSR to compare the technical performance of HITS against FAA secondary radar. The evaluation criteria include coverage volume, probability of detection, positional accuracy, code performance, and target resolution. These criteria were derived to assist the FAA in assessing the technical feasibility and possibly developing certification criteria for these two potential non-radar surveillance alternatives. The results from this test and evaluation will provide important data to the FAA as it attempts to determine the feasibility of implementing multilateration and ADS-B in terminal and en route environments. This paper details the technical results and the HITS system performance.
    • keywords: {air traffic control;aircraft;radar detection;radar tracking;search radar;ADS-B;ASDE-X;ATCRBS;HITS;air traffic control radar beacon system;airborne aircraft;aircraft surveillance technologies;aircraft tracking system;airport surface applications;airport surface detection equipment-X system;automatic dependent surveillance broadcast;detection probability;dual-technology multilateration;helicopter in-flight tracking system;multilateration;positional accuracy;target resolution;tracking;Air traffic control;Airborne radar;Aircraft;Airports;FAA;Radar detection;Radar tracking;Surveillance;Testing;Transponders},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1203428&isnumber=27105
    T. Hall, S. Mackey, S. Lang and J. Tittsworth, "Localizer Flight Technical Error measurement and uncertainty," Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), 2011 IEEE/AIAA 30th, Seattle, WA, 2011, pp. 4A3-1-4A3-9.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.2011.6096067
    • Abstract: Recent United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wake turbulence research conducted at the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (The Volpe Center) has continued to monitor the representative localizer Flight Technical Error (FTE) associated with Instrument Landing System (ILS) arrivals. This work complements, extends, and improves on previously published localizer FTE results by calculating FTE from more recent Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model X (ASDE-X) datasets with improved data quality characteristics, as well as providing a quantification of the FTE measurement uncertainty due to the geometry of the Remote Unit (RU) sensor array that provides the analysis data. The technical description of the ASDE-X system is published as [1]. This paper presents additional FTE results and improved uncertainty calculations for ILS arrivals at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), as well as comparisons with previous documented FTE results from Lambert St. Louis International Airport (STL). The measurement uncertainty assessment provided insight on the level of confidence that can be placed in each runway specific dataset, and these localizer FTE results confirm the previously published observation that the observed FTE performance is consistently much tighter than the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) navigation tolerances commonly used in safety simulations.
    • keywords: {aircraft navigation;instrument landing systems;measurement uncertainty;sensor arrays;ASDE-X system;FTE measurement uncertainty;ILS arrivals;International Civil Aviation Organization;United states federal aviation administration;airport surface detection equipment;data quality characteristics;instrument landing system;localizer FTE result;localizer flight technical error measurement;measurement uncertainty assessment;national transportation system center;navigation tolerances;remote unit sensor array;runway specific dataset;Aircraft;Aircraft navigation;Airports;Arrays;FAA;Geometry;Uncertainty;Best-fit Closest-point Distance Regression;CSPR;Cross-track Component of FTE;Localizer FTE},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6096067&isnumber=6095898
    D. J. Hannon, J. T. Lee, T. B. Sheridan and C. Donohoe, "Tower Information Display System (TIDS): Human-in-the-loop simulation and evaluation," 2008 Integrated Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Conference, Bethesda, MD, 2008, pp. 1-9.
    • doi: 10.1109/ICNSURV.2008.4559175
    • Abstract: This paper describes a human-in-the-loop simulation and evaluation of the Tower Information Display System (TIDS) that was conducted in August 2007. The goal was to determine whether radar-like traffic surveillance displays could be used to control airport traffic. TIDS workstations were developed for ground and local controller positions and were integrated in a tower cab simulator. Retired controllers with prior TRACON and Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model X (ASDE-X) were recruited for participation in the simulation. The simulated airport facility was patterned after Tampa International Airport (TPA). Test scenarios were developed to allow for comparison of the performance of TIDS against the out-the-window (OTW) viewing environment, two based on visual flight rules (VFR) and two based on instrument flight rules (IFR). The results showed comparable operational efficiency between the TIDS and OTW conditions in VFR Day scenarios. Efficiency was reduced for the OTW night condition. Efficiency for the OTW condition during IFR operations was reduced, in comparison to TIDS, when visibility was most restrictive. Workload estimates showed a consistent comfortable workload across operational conditions for the TIDS. Similar estimates varied, by position (i.e., ground or local controller) in the OTW conditions depending on operational condition. Analysis of pilot-controller communication provides support for the efficiency and workload results. Ratings by controllers showed a strong preference for the use of TIDS after the completion of all scenarios. A discussion of the results is provided along with consideration of the limitations of the study and possible future development.
    • keywords: {aerospace simulation;aerospace test facilities;air traffic control;aircraft displays;ASDE-X;Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model X;OTW night condition;TIDS workstations;TRACON;Tampa International Airport;VFR Day scenarios;airport traffic control;ground controller positions;human-in-the-loop simulation;instrument flight rules;local controller positions;out-the-window viewing environment;pilot-controller communication;radar-like traffic surveillance displays;simulated airport facility;tower cab simulator;tower information display system;visual flight rules;Air traffic control;Airports;Communication system control;Displays;Poles and towers;Radar detection;Surveillance;Traffic control;Variable speed drives;Workstations},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4559175&isnumber=4559150
    P. Lanzkron and E. Brookner, "Solid State X-Band Airport Surface Surveillance Radar," 2007 IEEE Radar Conference, Boston, MA, 2007, pp. 670-676.
    • doi: 10.1109/RADAR.2007.374299
    • Abstract: Raytheon has developed a new solid state transmitter for a low cost airport surface detection system. The transmitter as part of a low cost transceiver became the heart of the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Surface Detection Equipment -Model X (ASDE-X) system. The all weather performance of the system was helped by a unique constant false alarm rate (CFAR) algorithm that was introduced to deal with the high rain returns on runways. This paper discusses the Raytheon ASDE-X transceiver and the new local area CFAR.
    • keywords: {radar detection;radar transmitters;search radar;transceivers;ASDE-X transceiver;CFAR algorithm;Federal Aviation Administration Airport Surface Detection Equipment - Model X system;airport surface detection system;airport surface surveillance radar;constant false alarm rate algorithm;solid state X-band radar;solid state transmitter;Airports;Costs;FAA;Heart;Radar detection;Solid state circuits;Surveillance;Transceivers;Transmitters;Variable speed drives;Aircraft Detection;Chirp Radar;Radar Transmitters},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4250393&isnumber=4250267
    D. Ludwig, "Direct alerting to the cockpit for runway incursions," 2007 IEEE/AIAA 26th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, Dallas, TX, 2007, pp. 5.A.6-1-5.A.6-10.
    doi: 10.1109/DASC.2007.4391930
    • Abstract: The NTSB has identified the reduction of runway incursions as one of the top priorities for the FAA to address. A number of systems based on ground-based technologies have been developed and deployed: airport movement area safely system (AMASS), the airport surface detection equipment, Model X (ASDE-X), and the runway status light (RWSL) system. Nevertheless, these methods are not expected to fully resolve the runway incursion problem. The expected adoption of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) systems will enable cockpit-based alerting solutions that fill in the gaps and provide flight crews with timely information regarding potential conflicts. This paper describes the background, requirements, and development issues relating to a direct alert to the cockpit (DAC) system. It also describes a PC-based simulation tool that has been developed for the DAC effort. Before development commences, top level requirements are laid out and key assumptions are made regarding the runway conflict problem and how direct alerting might address it. Other technologies are examined as well to determine the gaps that must be covered. The first step in the DAC development process involves identifying all of the potential runway incursion scenarios. ADS-B data is used to establish a "track file" of position, speed, and heading for the own-ship and each detected traffic element. The DAC logic then formulates vectors that intelligently predict vehicle locations for critical look-ahead times, based on the possible scenarios. Finally, the system then analyzes vehicle performance capabilities to determine if and precisely when a particular alert is provided to the cockpit. A primary challenge of the DAC effort is developing an alerting system that is not perceived as a nuisance to flight crews and airport traffic managers. The goal is to produce logic that will significantly reduce runway incursions while minimizing false alerts that would adversely impact an airport's effic- iency. This will be achieved through evaluation of human factors issues and the use of a conflict generation tool for preliminary testing.
    • keywords: {air safety;air traffic control;aircraft instrumentation;airports;surveillance;ADS-B;AMASS;ASDE-X;DAC system;RWSL;airport movement area safely system;airport surface detection equipment model X;automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast systems;direct alert to the cockpit system;runway incursions;runway status light system;Air safety;Air traffic control;Aircraft;Airports;FAA;Hazards;Logic;Safety devices;Variable speed drives;Vehicles},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4391930&isnumber=4391811
    T. F. Brukiewa, "Active array radar systems applied to air traffic control," Telesystems Conference, 1994. Conference Proceedings., 1994 IEEE National, San Diego, CA, 1994, pp. 27-32.
    • doi: 10.1109/NTC.1994.316700
    • Abstract: Increased traffic flow, mobility, safety, and decreasing T/R module costs, will lead the way for future air traffic control (ATC) radar systems to be based on GaAs active array radar (AAR) technology. In this paper, system tradeoffs and potential architectures are described for civil ATC radars and mobile military ATC radars. Current developments are provided in transmit-receive (T/R) module state of the art, the enabling technology. Discussions include the potential for large AARs with single or multiple arrays located at airport terminals to simultaneously undertake functions presently performed by the airport surveillance radar (ASR), the precision approach radar (PAR), the terminal Doppler weather radar (TDWR), and the airport surface detection equipment (ASDE) radars for increased performance at lower cost. These features are accomplished through the beam agility, wide bandwidth, multimode adaptive waveforms and power programming features only possible with the AAR
    • keywords: {Doppler effect;active antennas;air-traffic control;airports;antenna phased arrays;ground support systems;meteorology;military systems;radar antennas;radar receivers;radar systems;radar transmitters;T/R module costs;active array radar systems;air traffic control;airport surface detection equipment;airport surveillance radar;airport terminals;beam agility;civil ATC radars;mobile military ATC radars;multimode adaptive waveforms;power programming;precision approach radar;safety;terminal Doppler weather radar;transmit-receive module;wide bandwidth;Air safety;Air traffic control;Airports;Automatic speech recognition;Costs;Doppler radar;Gallium arsenide;Meteorological radar;Radar equipment;Surveillance},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=316700&isnumber=7628
    J. G. Herrero, J. A. B. Portas, F. J. J. Rodriguez and J. R. C. Corredera, "ASDE and multilateration mode-S data fusion for location and identification on airport surface," Radar Conference, 1999. The Record of the 1999 IEEE, Waltham, MA, 1999, pp. 315-320.
    • doi: 10.1109/NRC.1999.767354
    • Abstract: A data fusion methodology to process data coming from the airport surface detection equipment (ASDE) and mode-S multilateration sensors in airport surface is presented and evaluated. Rigorous statistical models for the errors committed by both types of measuring systems, including attributes extracted from ASDE images, an extended distance computation for association and a tracking scheme considering states for the relative offset between sensors and orientation angle are developed. The results obtained by simulations with representative operations in European airports show the matching of measuring models with the parameters extracted from simulations and the performance of the tracking system comparing several alternatives with that proposed
    • keywords: {airports;covariance analysis;ground support equipment;image processing;measurement errors;radar detection;radar imaging;radar resolution;radar tracking;search radar;sensor fusion;statistical analysis;ASDE;ASDE images;European airports;airport surface detection equipment;airport surface identification;airport surface location;covariance models;extended distance computation;measurement errors;measuring models;measuring systems;mode-S multilateration sensors;multilateration mode-S data fusion;orientation angle;simulations;statistical models;tracking system;Air traffic control;Airports;Automatic control;IEEE members;Image sensors;Radar imaging;Sensor fusion;Sensor phenomena and characterization;Surveillance;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=767354&isnumber=16591
    C. Evers and A. Smith, "Innovative radar multistatic techniques for air traffic control," Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 2000. Proceedings. DASC. The 19th, Philadelphia, PA, 2000, pp. 7B2/1-7B2/7 vol.2.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.2000.884924
    • Abstract: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) been evaluating a prototype integrated Advanced Surface Movement Guidance System(A-SMGCS). Key A-SMGCS surveillance technologies including Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-3) radar, inductive loops, 1090 MHz ADS-B, and Mode S multilateration are fused to provide multi-sensor surveillance coverage. Performance evaluations identifying advantages and disadvantages of these technologies have been conducted by FAA and NASA. Rannoch has been involved in several of these projects and implemented several multilateration technology innovations with the goal of enhancing system performance, improving siting flexibility, reducing system cost, and decrease spectrum utilization. The innovations include two-receiver position aiding and aircraft identification, highly accurate GPS synchronization, 1030 MHz synchronization, and passive Mode A/C multilateration. The Rannoch version of multilateration, known as AirScene, is being installed in several countries worldwide, with these various system improvements. Results and performance improvements are described in the paper
    • keywords: {Global Positioning System;air traffic control;radar applications;sensor fusion;surveillance;synchronisation;1030 MHz;1030 MHz synchronization;1090 MHz;1090 MHz ADS-B;A-SMGCS surveillance;AirScene;Airport Surface Detection Equipment;FAA;Federal Aviation Administration;GPS synchronization;Mode S multilateration;Rannoch;air traffic control;aircraft identification;cost;inductive loops;multi-sensor surveillance;multilateration technology;passive Mode A/C multilateration;performance evaluation;radar multistatic techniques;siting flexibility;spectrum utilization;two-receiver position aiding;Air traffic control;Airports;FAA;NASA;Prototypes;Radar detection;Space technology;Surveillance;Technological innovation;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=884924&isnumber=19106
    M. E. Russell, C. A. Drubin, A. S. Marinilli, W. G. Woodington and M. J. Del Checcolo, "Commercial radar technology," Radar Conference, 2000. The Record of the IEEE 2000 International, Alexandria, VA, 2000, pp. 819-824.
    • doi: 10.1109/RADAR.2000.851941
    • Abstract: This paper discusses three commercial, surface radars: automotive, marine and airport surface detection equipment (ASDE). All three have the same primary function: to avoid collisions, and as a secondary function, provide navigational information as a means to prevent collisions. They all operate at low grazing angles, they struggle with the same challenges of target discrimination in heavy clutter, multiple target resolution in weather, multipath environments, false targets and target tracking. With the advent of inexpensive processing, these three markets are emerging with affordable products requiring minimal operator intervention
    • keywords: {aircraft landing guidance;airports;marine radar;radar clutter;radar detection;radar resolution;radar tracking;road vehicle radar;target tracking;airport surface detection equipment;automotive radar;collision avoidance;commercial radar;false targets;heavy clutter;low grazing angles;marine radar;multipath environments;multiple target resolution;navigational information;surface radars;target discrimination;target tracking;weather;Application specific integrated circuits;Automotive engineering;FAA;Global Positioning System;Marine technology;Radar detection;Spaceborne radar;US Department of Transportation;Variable speed drives;Vehicle detection},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=851941&isnumber=18502
    B. S. Levy and J. E. Legge, "Objective and automatic estimation of excess taxi-times," 2008 Integrated Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Conference, Bethesda, MD, 2008, pp. 1-10.
    • doi: 10.1109/ICNSURV.2008.4559197
    • Abstract: This paper describes the methodology developed at Sensis Corporation for the automatic and objective estimation of total and excess taxi-times from Airport Surface Detection Equipment - Model X (ASDE-X) surveillance data, such that these quantities can be conditioned on the basis of runway and gate/ramp locations. For each airport in the daily summary, we report the number of arrival and departure operations, total taxi-time, excess taxi-time, percent of known aircraft types, and the percent of complete aircraft taxi trajectories. Other data columns in the daily summary include fuel burn, fuel cost, and emissions (i.e., HC, CO, NOx), reported as total and excess quantities. A daily report is automatically generated for the airports at which Sensis Corporation currently makes recordings: ATL, BDL, CLT, DTW, IAD, MCO, MEM, MKE, ORD, PVD, SDF, SEA, and STL; this list will grow as more ASDE-X systems are fielded. Estimation of excess fuel burn and cost requires data on the aircraft type and excess taxi-time. The aircraft type determines the fuel burn rate, taken from the ICAO database; the excess taxi-time depends on a complete taxi trajectory in the movement area. The percent of known fuel burn rates ranges from 85 to 94% for the current set of airports. The percent of complete trajectories ranges from 83 to 93% for taxiing in the movement area. For validation, we have undertaken comparison of operation counts from the processing of ASDE-X data with data reported in the FAA's Aviation System Performance Metrics (ASPM) database, and have found good agreement (standard error < 1 operation). Also, we have performed some comparisons of the ASDE-X total-time estimates against the reportable quantities from the on-time performance database of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). This analysis is performed on a per-aircraft basis by matching the tail numbers and out-off-on-in (OOOI time) events between the two data - - sets.
    • keywords: {aerospace computing;airports;avionics;database management systems;estimation theory;surveillance;Bureau of Transportation Statistics;Department of Transportation;FAA aviation system performance metrics database;ICAO database;Sensis Corporation;aircraft type;airport surface detection equipment-model X surveillance data;automatic excess taxi-time estimation;Aircraft;Airports;Atherosclerosis;Costs;Databases;Fuels;Sea surface;Surveillance;Transportation;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4559197&isnumber=4559150
    J. Eck, "NAS data release policy: Challenges & opportunities," Integrated Communications Navigation and Surveillance Conference (ICNS), 2010, Herndon, VA, 2010, pp. 1-7.
    • doi: 10.1109/ICNSURV.2010.5503288
    • Abstract: Presents a collection of slides covering the following topics: airspace user demand; security threat; SOA technology; data sharing; airport surface detection equipment; and area safety system.
    • keywords: {airports;safety systems;SOA technology;airport surface detection equipment;airspace user demand;area safety system;data sharing;security threat;Air safety;Airports;Data security;FAA;Lenses;Online Communities/Technical Collaboration;Safety devices;Semiconductor optical amplifiers;Uninterruptible power systems;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5503288&isnumber=5503230
    K. Pack, "Automated False Track Identification," 2007 Integrated Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Conference, Herndon, VA, 2007, pp. 1-7.
    • doi: 10.1109/ICNSURV.2007.384169
    • Abstract: Suboptimized real-time surveillance systems trade off reporting all targets in the surveillance volume against minimizing the number of false tracks. Analysis of archived data can identify false tracks. By automating the analysis, system optimization can be done sooner. Automated analysis identifies candidate false tracks using track characteristics over the life of the track. These characteristics depend on the sensor data and operational environment. This paper discusses automated false track identification of ASDE-X (Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model X ) tracks collected at multiple airports. These tracks are supported by radar and multilateration sensor data.
    • keywords: {airports;identification;radar tracking;sensor fusion;target tracking;ASDE-X;airport surface detection equipment model X;automated analysis;automated false track identification;multilateration sensor data;radar tracking;track characteristics;Airborne radar;Aircraft;Airports;Radar tracking;Real time systems;Surveillance;Target tracking;Transponders;Variable speed drives;Vehicles},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4272201&isnumber=4272175
    J. Garcia, J. A. Besada, G. de Miguel, J. M. Molina and A. Berlanga, "Analysis of advanced data association techniques for ASDE radar," Radar Conference, 2004. Proceedings of the IEEE, 2004, pp. 128-133.
    • doi: 10.1109/NRC.2004.1316408
    • Abstract: The paper analyses and evaluates the application of different techniques to the data association problem for ASDE (airport surface detection equipment) radar. Data association for this sensor requires the removal of the classical one-to-one constraints and should allow tracks to be updated by sets of blobs. Different innovative alternatives, based on recent advanced techniques, have been formulated and tried to solve this problem in complex scenarios. Simulation results show the capabilities achieved in terms of tracking robustness, accuracy and required computation.
    • keywords: {radar detection;radar signal processing;radar tracking;target tracking;advanced data association techniques;airport surface detection equipment radar;computation;one-to-one constraints;tracking accuracy;tracking robustness;Airports;Computational modeling;Contracts;Data analysis;Data mining;Neural networks;Radar applications;Radar tracking;Target tracking;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1316408&isnumber=29174
    S. Borener et al., "Measuring the effects of aborted takeoffs and landings on traffic flow at JFK," 2012 IEEE/AIAA 31st Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), Williamsburg, VA, 2012, pp. 3E1-1-3E1-11.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.2012.6382320
    • Abstract: The FAA Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention (AVP) supports research, analysis and demonstration of quantitative air traffic analyses to estimate safety performance and benefits of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). This paper describes research for AVP, developing a unique capability to support safety cases for NextGen Operational Improvements (OIs) across FAA lines of business, by the U.S. DOT Volpe Center and government contractors: The Boeing Company (Boeing), and Saab Sensis Corporation (Saab Sensis). Analysis of eight weeks Airport Surface Detection Equipment - Model X (ASDE-X) surveillance of KFJK terminal area traffic that characterized missed departures and missed arrivals is described first. The paper concludes with simulation studies of these events' impact on traffic flow.
    • keywords: {accident prevention;air accidents;air safety;air traffic;aircraft landing guidance;airports;surveillance;ASDE-X surveillance;AVP;FAA;JFK;KFJK terminal area traffic;NextGen OI;accident investigation and prevention;aircraft landing guidance;aircraft safety;airport surface detection equipment-model X;flight takeoffs effect;next generation air transportation system;operational improvement;quantitative air traffic analyses;safety performance estimation;traffic flow;Acceleration;Air traffic control;Aircraft;Airports;Atmospheric modeling;Delay;Safety},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6382320&isnumber=6382265
    T. Hall and M. Soares, "Analysis of localizer and glide slope Flight Technical Error," 2008 IEEE/AIAA 27th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, St. Paul, MN, 2008, pp. 2.D.2-1-2.D.2-9.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.2008.4702786
    • Abstract: A new wake turbulence procedure has been developed that permits two dependent arrival traffic streams during instrument meteorological conditions to runways with centerline separations less than 2500 ft. For the proposed procedure, aircraft approaching both runways of a closely-spaced pair under limited ceiling/visibility conditions utilize instrument landing system (ILS) localizer and glide slope guidance. A critical safety analysis building block was to quantify the risk posed by aircraft flight technical error (FTE), a measure of the deviations from the localizer/glide slope centerlines, under ceiling/visibility conditions when non-visual ILS approaches are normally performed. Flight track data from Lambert-St. Louis international airport (STL) under severe IMC conditions, when strict adherence to navigation aide guidance would most likely occur, were used to quantify the aircraft dispersion characteristics.
    • keywords: {air traffic;airborne radar;aircraft navigation;instrument landing systems;Civil Aviation Organization;Lambert-St. Louis International Airport;Riegl laser range-measurement sensors;aircraft dispersion;aircraft flight technical error;airport surface detection equipment, model x;arrival traffic streams;ceiling/visibility conditions;critical safety analysis building block;glide slope flight technical error;instrument landing system;localizer;meteorological conditions;multilateration subsystem sensors;navigation aide guidance;on-airport Surface Measurement Radar;position sensors;wake turbulence;Aerospace safety;Air safety;Air traffic control;Aircraft manufacture;Aircraft navigation;Instruments;Meteorology;Performance analysis;Performance evaluation;Risk analysis},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4702786&isnumber=4702732
    E. Perl, "Review of airport surface movement radar technology," 2006 IEEE Conference on Radar, 2006, pp. 4 pp.-.
    • doi: 10.1109/RADAR.2006.1631876
    • Abstract: Runway incursion is defined by the FAA as "any occurrence at an airport involving an aircraft, vehicle, person or object on the ground that creates collision hazard or results in a loss of separation with an aircraft taking off, intending to take off, landing or intending to land." A summary of how severe this problem is can be found in a 2001 hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation. Surface Movement Radar (SMR) technology has evolved over the years as part of an effort to mitigate runway incursion risks and enhance airport capacity. Surface movement surveillance systems of various types have been installed in major airport as early as the 60s, and have kept evolving. The most recent system currently being deployed in the US by the FAA is the Airport Surface Movement Detection Equipment Model X (ASDE-X) system. In this system, unlike previous systems, the surface movement radar is just one of several sensors that are used in addition to transponder multilateration and GPS-based position reports, referred to as Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast or ADS-B; however, the SMR is a key subsystem. This paper contains an overview of the state of the art SMR technology. The paper provides an introduction on the use of radar technology for this commercial application. It focuses on the architecture, characteristics and technology of the radar sensor, the characteristics of the clutter and how it affects the performance, effects of multipath, automatic detection and comparison of several sensor architectures. Sensis Corporation has recently completed the testing of a new, improved SMR, which is now part of ASDE-X system. The paper summarizes the main features of this radar.
    • keywords: {airports;radar clutter;radar detection;sensors;ASDE-X system;SMR technology;airport surface movement detection equipment model;airport surface movement radar;clutter characteristics;multipath effect;radar sensor;Aircraft;Airports;FAA;Hazards;Land vehicles;Radar detection;Road vehicles;Sensor phenomena and characterization;Surveillance;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1631876&isnumber=34214
    E. Perl, "Review of Airport Surface Movement Radar Technology," in IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, vol. 21, no. 10, pp. 24-27, Oct. 2006.
    • doi: 10.1109/MAES.2006.275302
    • Abstract: Runway incursion is defined by the FAA as "any occurrence at an airport involving an aircraft, vehicle, person or object on the ground that creates collision hazard or results in a loss of separation with an aircraft taking off, intending to take off, landing or intending to land." A summary of how severe this problem is can be found in a 2001 hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation. Surface movement radar (SMR) technology has evolved over the years as part of an effort to mitigate runway incursion risks and enhance airport capacity. Surface movement surveillance systems of various types have been installed in major airports as early as the 1960s, and have kept evolving. The most recent system currently being deployed in the US by the FAA is the airport surface movement detection equipment model X (ASDE-X) system. In this system, unlike previous systems, the surface movement radar is just one of several sensors that are used in addition to transponder multilateration and GPS-based position reports, referred to as automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast or ADS-B; however, the SMR is a key subsystem. This paper contains an overview of the state-of-the-art SMR technology and provides an introduction on the use of radar technology for this commercial application. It focuses on the architecture, characteristics and technology of the radar sensor, the characteristics of the clutter and how it affects the performance, effects of multipath, automatic detection and comparison of several sensor architectures. Sensis Corporation has recently completed the testing of a new, improved SMR, which is now part of ASDE-X system. This paper summarizes the main features of this radar
    • keywords: {air traffic control;airports;radar detection;search radar;GPS;aircraft;airport capacity;airport surface movement detection equipment model X system;automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast;clutter;collision hazard;radar sensor;runway incursion;surface movement radar technology;surveillance systems;transponder multilateration;Aircraft;Airports;FAA;Hazards;Land vehicles;Radar detection;Road vehicles;Sensor phenomena and characterization;Surveillance;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4052319&isnumber=4033082
    G. Go and J. W. Ianniello, "Enhanced airport surface surveillance radar," Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 1994. 13th DASC., AIAA/IEEE, Phoenix, AZ, 1994, pp. 544-551.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.1994.369426
    • Abstract: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is installing the third generation of Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-3) in 35 of the busiest United States airports. This major advancement over existing equipment uses modern radar and display technology to provide ground controllers with a crisp, clutter free display of surface targets, even under conditions of severely limited airport visibility. Modern graphics technology provide flexible traffic situation displays that include airport map overlays on radar data and expanded area windowing capabilities. Recent Research and Development (R&D) enhancements extend the function of ASDE-3 to further aid ground controllers and enhance airport safety. Information from sensors monitoring approaching aircraft, and nonradar sensors reporting aircraft position have been fused to automate potential runway incursion warnings and add aircraft identification tags on traffic situation displays. Significant cost reductions resulting from R&D activities can make it economically feasible to deploy lower cost systems in more airports. This paper describes the design and implementation of ASDE-3, and the improvements that can reduce the burden on controllers, increase airport efficiency, and enhance air travel safety
    • keywords: {air traffic control;airports;geographic information systems;ground support systems;radar antennas;radar imaging;safety systems;search radar;ASDE-3;FAA;Federal Aviation Administration;United States airports;air travel safety;airport map overlays;airport safety;airport surface surveillance radar;antenna subsystem;area windowing;cost reductions;graphics technology;maintenance;sensors monitoring;third generation;Air safety;Air traffic control;Aircraft;Airports;Displays;FAA;Radar;Sensor fusion;Surveillance;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=369426&isnumber=8448
    S. Woods, M. Francis and J. Lee, "Tower Information Display System (TIDS): the system architecture," 2008 Integrated Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Conference, Bethesda, MD, 2008, pp. 1-9.
    • doi: 10.1109/ICNSURV.2008.4559181
    • Abstract: This paper describes the system architecture of the Tower Information Display System (TIDS). TIDS is the cornerstone of the Staffed NextGen Tower (SNT) concept, which addresses the important equivalent-visual-operations capability (without building a costly physical tower) identified by the NextGen roadmap. TIDS was used for a feasibility analysis at the Airport Facilities Terminal Integration Laboratory (AFTIL) facility at the FAA Technical Center, Atlantic City, NJ, in August 2007. TIDS was designed and built to provide a large screen display of current terminal traffic and a touch-screen display that implements an electronic flight strip operation. The system integrates the information from all data sources, including the AFTIL facility's High Level Architecture (HLA) based simulator, provides real-time value-added processing and gives air traffic controllers the information necessary for safe and efficient airport operations. All data sources are processed and displayed in real-time. The system also allows for multiple real-time displays whose views are individually configurable to the appropriate controller functions needed. This paper also explores the designs of future versions of TIDS that are in development following the feasibility study. These TIDS systems integrate new data sources, such as Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X) CAT11, which provides aircraft track data derived from multi- lateration and primary radar. They also provide Air Traffic Control Towers with a NextGen extensible design for data distribution for the myriad of data sources of terminal information. The real-time processing capability will also allow for implementation and display of decision-support algorithms.
    • keywords: {air traffic control;aircraft displays;touch sensitive screens;FAA Technical Center;TIDS;air traffic controller;airport facilities terminal integration laboratory facility;decision-support algorithm;electronic flight strip operation;equivalent-visual-operation capability;real-time value-added processing;touch-screen display;tower information display system;Air traffic control;Airports;Buildings;Cities and towns;FAA;Laboratories;Large screen displays;Poles and towers;Radar tracking;Real time systems},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4559181&isnumber=4559150
    T. F. Brukiewa, "Active array radar systems applied to air traffic control," Microwave Symposium Digest, 1994., IEEE MTT-S International, San Diego, CA, USA, 1994, pp. 1427-1432 vol.3.
    • doi: 10.1109/MWSYM.1994.335143
    • Abstract: Increased traffic flow, mobility, safety, and decreasing T/R module costs, will lead the way for future air traffic control (ATC) radar systems to be based on GaAs active array radar (AAR) technology. In this paper, system tradeoffs and potential architectures are described for civil ATC radars and mobile military ATC radars. Current developments are provided in transmit-receive (T/R) module state of the art, the enabling technology. Discussions include the potential for large AARs with single or multiple arrays located at airport terminals to simultaneously undertake functions presently performed by the airport surveillance radar (ASR), the precision approach radar (PAR), the terminal Doppler weather radar (TDWR), and the airport surface detection equipment (ASDE) radars for increased performance at lower cost. These features are accomplished through the beam agility, wide bandwidth, multimode adaptive wave forms and power programming features only possible with the AAR.<>
    • keywords: {active antennas;air-traffic control;microwave antenna arrays;military systems;radar antennas;radar systems;ATC radar systems;T/R module;active array radar systems;air traffic control;airport surveillance radar;beam agility;civil ATC radars;mobile military ATC radars;multimode adaptive waveforms;power programming features;precision approach radar;surface detection radar;transmit-receive module;weather radar;wide bandwidth;Air safety;Air traffic control;Airports;Automatic speech recognition;Costs;Doppler radar;Gallium arsenide;Meteorological radar;Radar equipment;Surveillance},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=335143&isnumber=7886
    J. Garcia Herrero, G. de Miguel Vela, J. A. Besada Portas and J. R. Casar Corredera, "Efficient blobs-to-tracks assignment for ASDE-radar data processing," in IEE Proceedings - Radar, Sonar and Navigation, vol. 152, no. 2, pp. 68-80, 8 April 2005.
    • doi: 10.1049/ip-rsn:20041068
    • Abstract: The data associatio problem ith sensors providing multiple detections per target is addressed i the paper. This is the case of the ASDE (airport surface detection equipment) radar, used for tracking ground targets moving on a airport surface. Blobs reconnectio and assignment to tracks is jointly carried out i the proposed coupled scheme, ith a extended distance considering all available estimations regarding target positions and attributes. The system takes into account constraints for orst-case computatio requirements, so guaranteeing real-time operation. A heuristic is used to prune the number of hypotheses to be evaluated and keep it belo a fixed bound, guiding the search to the appropriate decisions under such limitations. The system has bee evaluated i some complex scenarios generated by simulation, analysing the trade-off bet ee performance and computation, and it is compared ith a conventional decoupled scheme performing one-to-one associatio of detections to tracks.
    • keywords: {air traffic control;airports;radar detectio;radar tracking;ASDE-radar data processing;airport surface detectio equipment;data association;efficient blobs-to-tracks assignment;ground targets;heuristic;multiple detections;real-time operation;target positions},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1424434&isnumber=30758
    J. Taylor, "The Communications Picture in 1965," in IRE Transactions on Communications Systems, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 103-106, May 1956.
    • doi: 10.1109/TCOM.1956.1097281
    • Abstract: The communications capacity required of the Common System for the year 1965 is projected from figures of fix postings for 1946 and 1954. In 1946, 8,800,000 fixes were reported; in 1954, 16,900,000 fixes were recorded. If this trend continues, the forecast for 1965 is 1,100,000 instrument approaches, and 32 million fix postings! Additionally, there are new requirements to be considered for the 1965 communications system. These are Airport Surface Detection Equipment and expanded helicopter service making short distance flights between cities and from airports to urban heliports, plus the ever increasing tendency for all flights to be controlled similarly to IFR flights. Studies on improving communications, conducted in the Boston area, have indicated the pattern for future work to be undertaken. One finding was the excessive amount of time spent by the controller communicating rather than controlling. The possibility of using codes for routine communications to eliminate repetition of messages between pilot and controller was suggested by this study. The Common System Beacon, under development primarily for radar reinforcement and flight identity, with the addition of altitude information would lend itself well to coding, with a subsequent saving in voice communications time. In the investigation of a communications system for the Common System of Air Navigation and Traffic Control, the goal should be for one of limitless communications capacity. This is the challenge for the communications engineer.
    • keywords: {Argon;Communication system control;Communication system traffic control;Helicopters;Instruments;Navigation;Research and development;Traffic control},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1097281&isnumber=24041
    Yu Lu, Changzhong Liu, Zhengning Wang and Honggang Wu, "A novel airport surface surveillance based on multi-video fusion," Intelligent Signal Processing and Communication Systems (ISPACS), 2010 International Symposium on, Chengdu, 2010, pp. 1-4.
    • doi: 10.1109/ISPACS.2010.5704728
    • Abstract: Airport surface surveillance is an important issue guaranteeing the safety. Traditionally, this depends on the SMR (Surface Movement Radar) or ASDE (Aerodrome Surface Detection Equipment). However, these equipments are very complex and expensive, which is not suitable for the simple airports. On the other hand, video is a type of common and cheaper equipment and can be mounted largely in the airports. If the video also provides the ability of motion detection while guaranteeing the precision, it can be yet regarded as a substitute for non-cooperative radar like SMR and ASDE. This paper proposed such a solution based on optical flow field detection, dynamic fuzzy clustering and multi-sensor fusion. Experiments show that the solution is not only feasible but also with high detection precision.
    • keywords: {aerospace safety;airports;fuzzy set theory;image fusion;image sequences;motion estimation;pattern clustering;radar detection;radar imaging;video surveillance;ASDE;SMR;aerodrome surface detection equipment;airport safety;airport surface surveillance;dynamic fuzzy clustering;motion detection;multisensor fusion;multivideo fusion;optical flow field detection;surface movement radar;Clustering;Fusion;Optical flow;Surveillance},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5704728&isnumber=5704590
    B. Krause, C. von Altrock and M. Pozybill, "Fuzzy logic data analysis of environmental data for traffic control," Fuzzy Systems, 1997., Proceedings of the Sixth IEEE International Conference on, Barcelona, 1997, pp. 835-838 vol.2.
    • doi: 10.1109/FUZZY.1997.622818
    • Abstract: Traffic control is based on the analysis of traffic detection and environmental conditions. Especially bad environmental conditions are a hazard to car drivers. In this paper fuzzy technologies are used to analyze environmental conditions like road surface, visual range and weather conditions detected by local stations and road sensors. Because of the fact that detection of environmental conditions is uncertain, conventional approaches are unsuitable in a certain evaluation and analysis of the given signals detected by the available equipment. The fuzzy solution takes the diversified equipment of the different detection stations into account, uses a two step plausibility check to determine the quality of sensor signals, computes substitute values as long as comparable sensors are in use and leads to more appropriate results for the evaluation of road surface condition and visual range to indicate slippery road or fog warning. The solution was developed for an existing traffic control system of the B27, a state highway between Stuttgart city, Stuttgart airport and Tubingen, Germany. The unit is part of a complete fuzzy logic traffic control system. Implementations in several other systems are scheduled
    • keywords: {automated highways;distance measurement;fuzzy control;fuzzy logic;moisture measurement;road traffic;sensor fusion;temperature measurement;traffic control;B27 state highway;Germany;Stuttgart airport;Stuttgart city;Tubingen;detection stations;environmental conditions;environmental data;fog warning;fuzzy logic data analysis;fuzzy logic traffic control system;fuzzy technologies;road sensors;road surface;slippery road;traffic detection;two step plausibility check;visual range;weather conditions;Air traffic control;Airports;Cities and towns;Data analysis;Fuzzy logic;Hazards;Road transportation;Signal analysis;Signal detection;Traffic control},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=622818&isnumber=13530
    Y. Takada et al., "Automated Trace-Explosives Detection for Passenger and Baggage Screening," in IEEE Sensors Journal, vol. 16, no. 5, pp. 1119-1129, March1, 2016.
    doi: 10.1109/JSEN.2015.2499760
    • Abstract: Based on a high-throughput trace-explosives detector, two security equipment were developed to check passengers and baggage before boarding an aircraft. The traceexplosives detector consists of an automated particles sampler and a compact mass spectrometer. In the automated particles sampler, particles adhering to a surface of the detection targets are removed by air jets. A cyclone preconcentrator is then used to collect the particles removed from the detection targets. The collected particles are vaporized by a vaporizer, and the vaporized molecules are analyzed by the mass spectrometer. For the passenger screening, the trace-explosives detector was installed into a boarding gate. When a passenger passes an electronic ticket (e-ticket) or IC card over the e-ticket reader of the boarding gate, compressed air jets are emitted from a nozzle toward the e-ticket. The throughput of the passenger screening is ~1200 persons/hour. For the baggage screening, on the other hand, the trace-explosives detector was combined with a conventional X-ray baggage screener. When a bag is put on the conveyor belt of the automated particle sampler, compressed air jets are emitted from nozzles. The trace analysis is finished, while an X-ray image of the bag is being obtained by the X-ray baggage screener. In the both security equipment, the tested explosives' particulate simulants of 2, 4, 6-trinitrotoluene, 1, 3, 5-trinitro-1, 3, 5-triazacyclohexane, and triacetone triperoxide adhered to the detection targets are successfully detected. Accordingly, the newly developed security equipment will be useful tools for improving airport security in the near future.
    • keywords: {X-ray imaging;aircraft;chemical sensors;compressed air systems;explosive detection;explosives;jets;mass spectrometers;national security;nozzles;object detection;1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane;4,6-trinitrotoluene;IC card;X-ray baggage screener;X-ray imaging;air jet compression removal;aircraft;airport security;automated particle sampler;automated trace-explosive detection;compact mass spectrometer;conveyor belt;cyclone preconcentrator;e-ticket;electronic ticket;nozzle;passenger screening;security equipment;target detection;triacetone triperoxide;Detectors;Electrodes;Explosives;Ion sources;Ionization;Logic gates;Security;Homeland security;explosives detection;homeland security;mass spectrometry},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=7327138&isnumber=7401148
    M. Ferri, G. Galati, F. Marti, P. F. Pellegrini and E. Piazza, "Design and field evaluation of a millimetre-wave surface movement radar," Radar 97 (Conf. Publ. No. 449), Edinburgh, 1997, pp. 6-10.
    • doi: 10.1049/cp:19971621
    • Abstract: The surveillance function of a modern SMGCS (surface movement guidance and control system) is becoming more and more important for the safety of airports. In this field, among the technical tools, the the surface movement radar (SMR) is considered an irreplaceable equipment for its detection capability of non-cooperative targets. Present-day SMRs are considered aged and inadequate to satisfy the new advanced requirements for airport surveillance demanded by international and European organisations. So, the international airport and air services community is moving towards technological innovation of airport traffic aids while keeping the costs within reasonable and affordable boundaries. A novel concept for monitoring the function of the SMGCS based upon a network of small and cheaper radar sensors working in the millimetre wave band (95 GHz) has been proposed by the University of Rome
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=629082&isnumber=13678
    J. Garcia, J. M. Molina, G. de Miguel and A. Soto, "Design of an A-SMGCS prototype at Barajas airport: data fusion algorithms," 2005 7th International Conference on Information Fusion, 2005, pp. 8 pp.-.
    • doi: 10.1109/ICIF.2005.1592011
    • Abstract: The work presented here addresses practical aspects of data fusion to implement a prototype of advanced surface movement guidance and control systems (A-SMGCS). It reflects recent experiences in an on-going project to fuse data from available and future sensors at Madrid-Barajas airport: automatic surface detection equipment (ASDE), millimeter wave sensor (MWS), airport surveillance radar (ASR) and mode-S multilateration. Simulation results show system accuracy and robustness in representative situations, taking into account the airport configuration.
    • keywords: {aircraft landing guidance;airports;radar detection;search radar;sensor fusion;surveillance;A-SMGCS prototype;ASDE;ASR;MWS;Madrid-Barajas airport;advanced surface movement guidance-control system;airport surveillance radar;automatic surface detection equipment;data fusion algorithm;millimeter wave sensor;mode-S multilateration;Airports;Algorithm design and analysis;Automatic control;Control systems;Fuses;Millimeter wave radar;Prototypes;Radar detection;Sensor fusion;Surface waves;ASMGCS (Airport Surveillance);Data Sensor Integration;Tracking},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1592011&isnumber=33513
    H. Gao et al., "Safe airport operation based on innovative magnetic detector system," in IET Intelligent Transport Systems, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 236-244, June 2009.
    • doi: 10.1049/iet-its:20080058
    • Abstract: A novel magnetic sensing technology that forms the basis of an innovative system to monitor ground vehicle movements at airports is presented. The operating principle of this system is the detection of interaction of aircraft or ground vehicles with the earth's magnetic field using sensitive magnetic field detectors. After development and laboratory testing of the detectors, test sites have been set up at three European airports. Potential applications of the detectors were designed and demonstrated. Tests have shown that the system can be applied for ground movement surveillance. The approach can be used as a complementary surveillance system for existing and future advanced surface movement guidance and control systems (A-SMGCS) at large airports or as a cost-effective stand-alone solution for monitoring critical areas at medium and small airports. Furthermore, this system can be applied as well in road traffic and car park occupancy monitoring. Unaffected by weather conditions, interference and shadowing effects, the system provides reliable vehicle position, velocity and direction information without requiring any equipment in aircraft or ground vehicles and thus it increases airport operational safety.
    • keywords: {airports;magnetic field measurement;magnetic sensors;road safety;surveillance;European airports;advanced surface movement guidance and control systems;airport operation safety;car park occupancy monitoring;ground movement surveillance;ground vehicle movement monitoring;magnetic detector system;magnetic field detectors;magnetic sensing technology;road traffic;shadowing effects},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5071793&isnumber=5071778
    F. H. de Haan, "LIVE system concept: Locating and identifying vehicle equipment," Vehicle Navigation and Information Systems Conference, 1993., Proceedings of the IEEE-IEE, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 1993, pp. 738-741.
    • doi: 10.1109/VNIS.1993.585729
    • Abstract: The LIVE-system is a concept that enables detection of aircraft and ground vehicles on the manoeuvering area of airports based on unmodified secondary surveillance radar (SSR) transponders. The aim of the system is to support routines that prevent runaway incursions and to achieve better airport capacity during adverse visibility conditions. SSR was never workable for airport surface traffic due to garbling and reflection problems. The concept of the LIVE-system solves these problems, by creating a large number of small areas of SSR coverage, each of which interrogates its area during a small period of time, enabling the total of the surface of the airport during one second. The LIVE-system has a central system that determines the precise position of targets with trilateration. A feature is added to the system to prevent aircraft on the ground from responding to interrogations of other SSR interrogators in the vicinity of the airport.
    • keywords: {airports;LIVE-system;SSR interrogators;aircraft;airport surface traffic;airports;garbling;ground vehicles;manoeuvering area;reflection;secondary surveillance radar;transponders;trilateration;Air traffic control;Airborne radar;Aircraft;Airports;Land vehicles;Radar detection;Reflection;Surveillance;Transponders;Vehicle detection},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=585729&isnumber=12662
    M. Watnick and J. W. Ianniello, "Airport Movement Area Safety System," Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 1992. Proceedings., IEEE/AIAA 11th, Seattle, WA, 1992, pp. 549-552.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.1992.282103
    • Abstract: The AMASS (Airport Movement Area Safety System) concept and implementation are described. AMASS monitors airport surface traffic to advise ground air traffic controllers of potential incursions on runways and taxiway intersections. The system operates with ground and approach sensor systems to ascertain aircraft locations in approaching and ground movement situations. It uses airport radars, state-of-the-art signal processing, and advanced computer technology to improve airport safety. An operational prototype has been tested. Preproduction AMASS equipment will undergo field testing at San Francisco International Airport during the fourth quarter of 1992
    • keywords: {air traffic computer control;airports;ground support systems;image processing equipment;radar systems;safety systems;Airport Movement Area Safety System;aircraft locations;airport radars;airport safety;airport surface traffic;computer technology;display processor;field testing;ground air traffic controllers;runways;signal processing;taxiway;Air safety;Air traffic control;Aircraft;Airports;Computer displays;Prototypes;Radar detection;Radar signal processing;Testing;Variable speed drives},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=282103&isnumber=6983
    D. Fitch, J. Southwick and J. Morganti, "Multi-sensor data processing for enhanced air and surface surveillance," Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 2002. Proceedings. The 21st, 2002, pp. 3D3-1-3D3-7 vol.1.
    • doi: 10.1109/DASC.2002.1067952
    • Abstract: As aircraft travel through the enroute, terminal and surface phases of flight, different types of surveillance resources are used for tracking. Historically, radar is used as the means to provide surveillance and situational awareness to the air traffic controller. In recent years, new surveillance technologies - multilateration and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) - have been introduced into the National Airspace System (NAS). These new surveillance sources are now being integrated with radar systems using multisensor data processing or fusion techniques. Multisensor data processing combines data from all sensors into a single position estimate for each aircraft. A multi-sensor data processing architecture provides highly accurate air and surface situational awareness for controllers, while enabling new air and surface safety, capacity and efficiency applications for airports, airlines and pilots.
    • keywords: {air traffic control;broadcasting;radar applications;radar tracking;sensor fusion;surveillance;ATC;air surveillance;air traffic control;aircraft position estimate;automatic dependent surveillance broadcast mode;data fusion techniques;multisensor data processing;situational awareness;surface surveillance;tracking;Air traffic control;Airborne radar;Aircraft manufacture;Airports;Data processing;FAA;Radar applications;Radar detection;Radar equipment;Surveillance},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=1067952&isnumber=22925
    G. Galati, M. Ferri, P. Mariano and F. Marti, "Advanced integrated architecture for airport ground movements surveillance," Radar Conference, 1995., Record of the IEEE 1995 International, Alexandria, VA, 1995, pp. 282-287.
    • doi: 10.1109/RADAR.1995.522559
    • Abstract: An advanced SMGCS links airspace to airports to provide safety and efficiency during the gate-to-gate transfer of aircraft. This paper describes an advanced and flexible architecture for the surface movement radar and its integration in the SMGCS. The proposed architecture utilizes a network of millimeter-wave miniradars. Its main features are low cost and very high resolution, great flexibility and high reliability
    • keywords: {aircraft;airports;ground support equipment;radar applications;radar detection;radar signal processing;search radar;advanced SMGCS;advanced integrated architecture;aircraft;airport ground movements surveillance;cost;flexibility;gate-to-gate transfer;millimeter-wave miniradars;reliability;resolution;surface movement radar;Air safety;Air traffic control;Aircraft;Airports;Navigation;Radar;Routing;Surveillance;Vehicle detection;Vehicle safety},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=522559&isnumber=11378
    A. Schroth, K. H. Bethke, T. Felhauer, B. Rode and M. Schneider, "The DLR near-range experimental radar system for airport surface movement guidance and control," Radar Conference, 1995., Record of the IEEE 1995 International, Alexandria, VA, 1995, pp. 505-510.
    • doi: 10.1109/RADAR.1995.522599
    • Abstract: After some introductory notes the principle of target location with the novel DLR near-range experimental radar system is explained and a general system description is given. The functional characteristics and the structure of a single radar station is discussed in detail. Due to sophisticated processing of echo signals of expanded pulses, targets with a backscattering cross section of 1 m3 can be detected at a distance of 1 km utilizing fixed, nonrotating antennas having a broad sector characteristic in the azimuth and low power transmitters (<10 a="" airport.="" airport="" algorithms="" are="" at="" be="" by="" called="" can="" classification="" complex="" conditions="" derivation="" derived.="" echo="" for="" four="" from="" in="" including="" is="" li="" measured="" measurement="" module="" munich="" next="" of="" plurality="" profiles="" radar="" range="" results="" rolling="" signatures="" situ="" so="" stations="" status="" surface="" targets="" the="" these="" under="" used="" valued="" vehicles="" verification="" w="">
    • keywords: {air traffic control;airports;ground support equipment;radar detection;radar signal processing;radar target recognition;radar tracking;DLR near-range experimental radar system;Munich Airport;airport surface movement guidance;airport surface vehicles;backscattering cross section;broad sector characteristic;classification;control;echo signals;expanded pulses;low power transmitters;nonrotating antennas;radar signatures;radar station;range echo profiles;rolling status;target location;Airports;Azimuth;Backscatter;Pulse measurements;Radar antennas;Radar cross section;Radar detection;Signal processing;Transmitters;Transmitting antennas},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=522599&isnumber=11378
    D. Atlas, "Radar meteorology: highlights of recent advances," Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 1994. IGARSS '94. Surface and Atmospheric Remote Sensing: Technologies, Data Analysis and Interpretation., International, Pasadena, CA, 1994, pp. 355-360 vol.1.
    • doi: 10.1109/IGARSS.1994.399124
    • Abstract: Radar meteorology has recently reached new heights of operational and scientific development. This has been fostered largely by the installation of the first generation of operational NEXRAD (WSR-88D) Doppler radars across the USA, the initiation of a demonstration network of operational radar wind profilers in the central USA, and the early installation of the first of the Terminal Doppler Weather Radars (TDWR) for the detection of hazardous low level windshear at major airports. The development of the spaceborne Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), to be launched in 1997, has also spurred widespread R & D activity on new instruments, algorithms, and ground truth. These and the use of radar in a broad spectrum of major research projects has provided a host of new insights. In turn these activities have raised new questions and demonstrated the need for further improvements, thus giving renewed impetus to the entire field. This paper summarizes some of the more exciting developments in progress and on the horizon
    • keywords: {atmospheric measuring apparatus;meteorological instruments;meteorological radar;radar applications;radar imaging;remote sensing;remote sensing by radar;Doppler radar;NEXRAD;TDWR;TRMM;Terminal Doppler Weather Radar;USA;algorithm;atmosphere meteorology;equipment;hazardous low level windshear;instrument;measurement technique;meteorological radar;radar meteorology;radar remote sensing;research;spaceborne Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission;wind profiler;Airports;Doppler radar;Laboratories;Meteorological radar;Meteorology;Radar detection;Radar tracking;Signal processing algorithms;Storms;Wind},
    • URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=399124&isnumber=9015