Evaluation of airport surface surveillance technologies

Continual increases in traffic volume, coupled with the pursuit for safer, more efficient air traffic control (ATC) have driven up the requirements for airport surveillance systems. In previous years, ATC relied on sight, pilot position reports, and primary radar returns. However, with advances in other aircraft systems, such as navigation and the use of differential satellite navigation, aviation authorities are now looking to increase efficiency in the terminal area, while improving safety. In this paper we discuss the evolving requirements for airport surveillance systems and some of the technologies currently under evaluation for use at larger and medium sized airports. We describe the development and use of a relatively new concept, the required system performance (RSP) and its application to evaluation of airport surveillance requirements and systems.