Design and field evaluation of a millimetre-wave surface movement radar

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.