Secondary Radar System Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which component of the secondary radar system is responsible for sending interrogator signals to aircraft?

  • Decoder
  • Transponder
  • Interrogator (correct)
  • Antenna

What does the transponder do when it receives a signal from the interrogator?

  • It records the aircraft's position.
  • It transmits a coded reply to the interrogator. (correct)
  • It directs the aircraft to change course.
  • It sends a signal to the primary radar system.

Which of the following equipment suffixes indicates an aircraft has altitude reporting capability AND Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)?

  • /T
  • /A (correct)
  • /B
  • /P

Why is the transponder reply sent to the decoder?

<p>To process the transponder reply and send it to the radar display. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the antenna in the secondary radar system?

<p>To receive signals from the transponder and send them to the decoder. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements accurately describes the relationship between primary and secondary radar?

<p>Secondary radar can operate independently from primary radar. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which equipment suffix indicates an aircraft has advanced area navigation (RNAV) equipment and altitude reporting capability?

<p>/I (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the secondary radar system provides an electronic presentation of radar-derived information?

<p>Radar Display (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle does primary radar operate on?

<p>Echo principle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a primary radar system is responsible for generating the initial pulse of radio energy?

<p>Transmitter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of radar display shows the position and movement of objects that reflect radio energy?

<p>Primary Radar Display (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a component of a primary radar system?

<p>Data Processor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic does the blind zone of a primary radar refer to?

<p>Area above the antenna where aircraft cannot be detected (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does primary radar display the reflected signals?

<p>By amplifying and converting into video (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about primary radar is true?

<p>Clouds can reflect radar energy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of signal does a primary radar system send out?

<p>Pulse of radio energy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which primary radar component depicts the position and movements of objects that reflect radio energy?

<p>Radar display (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which primary radar component focuses and broadcasts radio energy, then collects the reflection return?

<p>Antenna (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which primary radar component amplifies and converts the reflected energy into video?

<p>Receiver (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes secondary radar from primary radar?

<p>It uses cooperative equipment known as a transponder. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the interrogator in secondary radar systems?

<p>To trigger a distinctive reply signal from the aircraft. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component is essential for processing the returned signal in secondary radar systems?

<p>Decoder (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misinterpretation regarding the roles of the transmitter in radar systems?

<p>It both transmits and receives signals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element of primary radar is used to keep an aircraft safe within its environment?

<p>Radar display (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary uses of secondary radar in air traffic control?

<p>To detect and measure the position of aircraft (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is typically NOT depicted on a video map?

<p>Weather forecasts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the display range of a video map change its view?

<p>It zooms in and out to expand or contract the display (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of secondary radar does NOT impact its effectiveness?

<p>Not degraded by weather echoes or ground clutter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a video display in air traffic control?

<p>To serve as a method for guidance and separation of aircraft (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the information provided by secondary radar?

<p>It requests additional information from the aircraft (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can a video map depict in terms of geographical features?

<p>Prominent geographic features and obstructions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature would most likely be included on a radar display for air traffic control?

<p>Range marks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ADS-B Out equipment on aircraft?

<p>To transmit an aircraft's position and other data (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mandatory requirement did the FAA impose regarding ADS-B Out?

<p>All aircraft must be equipped with ADS-B Out in controlled U.S. airspace (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does ADS-B In provide to general aviation operators?

<p>Real-time graphical weather and aeronautical information (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How frequently does ADS-B Out provide updated aircraft information to air traffic control?

<p>Almost every second (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the coverage provided by ADS-B Out compared to traditional radar systems?

<p>Better radar coverage and accuracy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of primary radar in air traffic control?

<p>To locate and track aircraft positions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does primary radar determine the range of an object?

<p>By measuring the time it takes for the radio pulse to return. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'azimuth' refer to in the context of radar?

<p>The horizontal direction of an object. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between primary and secondary radar systems?

<p>Primary radar relies on reflections from the aircraft, while secondary radar relies on signals from the aircraft. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a non-radar environment, how do air traffic controllers determine an aircraft's position?

<p>By relying on the pilot's reports of their position. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the "Radar Weather Display" as described in the text?

<p>To depict weather patterns and potential hazards for aircraft. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of primary radar?

<p>Transponder (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of radar system provides information on range, azimuth, and elevation?

<p>Both primary and secondary radar (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Primary Radar

A radar system using reflected signals to detect objects.

Echo Principle

The principle that underlies radar by reflecting signals.

Primary Radar Components

Transmitter, Antenna, Receiver, and Radar Display.

Transmitter

Generates and broadcasts radio energy pulses.

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Antenna

Focuses, broadcasts signals, and collects echoes.

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Receiver

Amplifies and converts reflected signals into video.

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Blind Zone

The area directly above the antenna that cannot be detected.

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Radar Display

Shows the position and movement of detected objects.

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Interrogator

A ground-based transmitter that generates radio signals to request replies from transponders.

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Transponder

An aircraft device that receives signals from the interrogator and replies with an assigned code.

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Decoder

Processes the replies from transponders and sends them to the radar display.

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/A Suffix

Indicates aircraft has DME and altitude reporting capability.

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/U Suffix

Indicates the aircraft has altitude reporting capability only.

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Secondary Radar

Radar that relies on transponders onboard aircraft for information.

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Video Map

Electronically displayed map showing aviation information.

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NAVAID

Navigational aid used for guiding aircraft.

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Airspace Boundary

Defined limits for different air traffic zones.

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Minimum Vectoring Altitude

Lowest altitude for safe navigation under radar control.

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Reporting Point

Designated location for aircraft to report position.

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Obstruction

Any object that might interfere with aircraft navigation.

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Radar

A device that detects objects by measuring radio pulse time intervals.

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ATC

Air Traffic Control, responsible for managing air traffic safety and efficiency.

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Radio Pulse

A short burst of radio waves that radar systems send out.

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Azimuth

The angle or direction of an object from a reference point.

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Elevation

The height of an object relative to a reference point, usually ground level.

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Weather Display

A digitized radar display that depicts weather conditions to ATC.

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ATCRBS

Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System, a type of secondary radar.

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Interrogator in Radar

Ground site that sends signals and receives replies from transponders.

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ADS-B Out

Aircraft equipment that transmits position and speed data to ATC.

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ADS-B In

Equipment that receives data from other aircraft's ADS-B Out systems.

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FAA mandate for ADS-B Out

Requirement for U.S. aircraft to equip with ADS-B Out by January 1, 2020.

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Real-time Surveillance

Continuous tracking of aircraft position and status using ADS-B.

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Search and Rescue (SAR) Benefits

Improved mission effectiveness due to more precise aircraft tracking.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Air Traffic Control Surveillance

  • Radar is a crucial tool for en route and terminal controllers
  • It locates, tracks, and separates aircraft
  • Understanding radar components improves NAS operation
  • In non-radar environments, controllers rely on pilot reports and visual observations to monitor airspace and weather

Primary Radar System

  • Purpose: Identifies uses and components of primary radar
  • Objectives:
    • Identify uses of primary radar
    • Identify primary radar components
  • References:
    • FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control
    • ETM 12-0-1, Fundamentals of Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radar

Radar and Radar Display

  • Radar: A device measuring time intervals between transmitted and received radio pulses to determine the location of objects
  • Radar gives information on: range (distance), azimuth (horizontal angle), and elevation (vertical angle) of objects
  • Weather Display: Air Traffic Control (ATC) uses displays with specific characteristics to depict weather
  • Types of Radar systems: Primary and secondary are two types, this lesson covers primary

How Primary Radar Works

  • Principle: A primary radar system transmits a radio signal that is reflected by objects and returned as an "echo" or "target."
  • Signal: The primary radar signal is a pulse of radio energy, similar to an X-ray
  • Processing: Timed and processed, the reflected signal is displayed on a radar system
  • Components: Transmitter, antenna, receiver, and radar display

Primary Radar Components

  • Transmitter: Generates radio energy pulses
  • Antenna: Broadcasts and focuses radio energy; also collects reflected energy
  • Receiver: Amplifies and converts the reflected energy into a visual display
  • Radar Display: Shows the position and movement of objects reflecting the radio energy

Secondary Radar System

  • Purpose: Identifies uses and components of secondary radar
  • Objectives:
    • Identify uses of secondary radar
    • Identify secondary radar components
  • References:
    • FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control
    • ETM 12-0-1, Fundamentals of Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radar

Types of Radar Systems

  • Secondary Radar (Radar Beacon): Equipment fitted on the object of detection, known as a transponder.
  • Secondary radar is also sometimes referred to as Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS)

How Secondary Radar Works

  • Radio Signals: Transmitted from the interrogator to request a response
  • Transponder Response: The object (aircraft) sends a reply signal to the interrogator
  • Decoder: Processes signals and sends them to the radar display for processing
  • Radar Display: Presents the processed information visually

Secondary Radar Components

  • Interrogator: A ground-based transmitter that sends signals to request responses
  • Antenna: Transmits and receives radar signals
  • Transponder: Located on the aircraft, responds to interrogator signals with a unique code
  • Decoder: Processes responses from the transponder to display the relevant data
  • Radar Display: Displays aircraft position and other information

Advantages and Disadvantages of Secondary Radar

  • Advantages: Less susceptible to weather, greater range, and no need for ground clutter
  • Disadvantages: Only displays aircraft with transponders, orientation impacts response, and doesn't provide weather information

Video Map

  • Purpose: Identifies features of a video map on radar display
  • Features: Airports, heliports, runway centerline extensions, NAVAIDs, reporting points, airways, boundaries, handoff points, special use tracks, obstructions, prominent geographic features, range marks, minimum vectoring altitudes
  • A video map is an electronic representation superimposed on a radar display showing essential locational data such as airspace boundaries, airports, and obstructions.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)

  • Purpose: Identify features of ADS-B
  • Description: A surveillance system using data-link transmitters on aircraft.
  • Automatic: Aircraft automatically transmit location and other data
  • Dependent: Depends on aircraft equipment with GPS
  • Surveillance: Uses GPS to determine position
  • Broadcast: Transmits data to ground stations and other aircraft for ATC use

Levels of Aircraft Equipment

  • ADS-B Out: Basic equipment that only transmits aircraft data.
  • ADS-B In: Equipment that receives and displays data from other ADS-B equipped aircraft and other data, such as weather information.

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