Assessing Interference Impacts of 5G C-Band on Radar Altimeter Across Urban and Rural Macrocell Environments

The implementation of 5G Base Stations (BSs) around airports has raised concerns regarding potential interference with radar altimeter systems. These systems are crucial for computing the altitude above the ground, particularly during landing and other low-altitude operations. 5G systems operating in C-band emit signals within a frequency range that closely aligns with the operational frequency of radar altimeters. Such proximity can interfere with the operation of the radar altimeter, resulting in erroneous altitude measurements or even system failures. This situation could put flight and passenger safety at risk, as accurate altitude measurements are essential for safe takeoff, navigation, and landing, especially in low-visibility conditions. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative assessment of altimeters' performance in the presence of 5G signals, evaluating the impact of Active Antenna Systems (AAS) and Fixed-Beam Sectoral Antennas (SA) within contrasting Urban Macrocell (UMC) and Rural Macrocell (RMC) settings. The results of this study provide critical insights into altimeter robustness against 5G interference, offering recommendations for the optimal altimeter and antenna configuration for effective mitigation of interference risks.