Airservices begins upgrade of terminal area radar in Perth

The upgrade will ensure the radar continues to provide safe and efficient movement of air traffic through airspace around the airport.

Radar coverage for the Perth area during the upgrade works will be provided by the Royal Australian Air Force radar at Eclipse Hill and Airservices existing en route surveillance radar at Kalamunda.

Airservices Executive General Manager Projects and Engineering, Mark Rodwell, said that Airservices and RAAF have worked closely to integrate the existing Defence radar into civil air traffic control operations.

“This will ultimately help to enhance air traffic control operations in the area and also removes the need for a temporary transportable radar to be installed during the upgrade,” Mr Rodwell said.

“The new radar will deliver significant benefits to Airservices and the aviation industry, including higher rates of operational availability, improved data and less frequent maintenance requirements.”

The upgrade to Perth TAR will also ensure that the equipment continues to function safely and efficiently.

During the works program, an improved solid state primary radar with a 60nm (111km) range and a Mode S (select) capable Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar with a range of up to 256nm (474km) will be installed.

On completion, a stringent flight inspection testing program will be conducted to ensure the radar is operating within a high degree of accuracy.

Airservices has so far upgraded seven radars as part of the AMSTAR program.

Source: Airservices