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Provisional message formats for the DABS/NAS interface

April 25, 1974
  |
Project Report
Author:
David Reiner
…
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report ATC-33
Topic:
surveillance
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This document defines formats for messages which are to be transmitted between DABS and NAS facilities (en route or terminal). These messages include one-way Surveillance Reports to NAS and two-way Communications Messages. The latter support data link functions between NAS and DABS equipped aircraft, as well as aiding in the monitoring and control of DABS sensors. These message formats will be used in the design and construction of interface equipment and ground data links for prototype system test and evaluation at NAFEC during Phase II of the DABS Development Program; and, with modifications resulting from this test and evaluation effort, will form the basis for the operational implementation of DABS.
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Summary

This document defines formats for messages which are to be transmitted between DABS and NAS facilities (en route or terminal). These messages include one-way Surveillance Reports to NAS and two-way Communications Messages. The latter support data link functions between NAS and DABS equipped aircraft, as well as aiding in the...

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Provisional message formats for the DABS/NAS interface

Digital signal processor for air traffic control radars

January 1, 1974
  |
Conference Paper
Author:
Charles E. Muehe
Published in:
Northeast Electronics Research and Engineering Meeting, NEREM, 28-31 October 1974.
Topic:
air traffic control
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

At a previous NEREM Meeting [1] and in a subsequent paper [2], we described the general philosophy and particular ideas which can be used to overcome the problems associated with achieving good radar detection performance in the presence of various types of clutter; ground clutter (including second-time-around returns ), weather clutter and angels (bird flocks). Recently, a digital signal processor called an MTD (Moving Target Detector) has been designed and built for application to an S-band ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar). This paper describes the MTD and presents some preliminary test results. The MTD is a special purpose hard-wired digital signal processor which is capable of processing a full 360 coverage in 1/16 nmi steps out to a nominal range of 48 nmi. The MTD was designed to provide digital radar output to an automated air traffic control system.
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Summary

At a previous NEREM Meeting [1] and in a subsequent paper [2], we described the general philosophy and particular ideas which can be used to overcome the problems associated with achieving good radar detection performance in the presence of various types of clutter; ground clutter (including second-time-around returns ), weather...

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Digital signal processor for air traffic control radars

Final report on task A surveillance and communication issues in the transition to a discrete address beacon system

December 26, 1973
  |
Project Report
Author:
Walter I. Wells
…
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report ATC-21
Topic:
surveillance
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This report discusses the transition from the ATCRBS-based surveillance function with voice radio only to a DABS-based surveillance function with integral digital communication capability to support IPC and automation. Recommendations are directed toward alleviation of certain problems already evident and toward preparation for the deployment of DABS beginning in the late 1970s. An evaluation of the present ATCRBS system indicates basic adequacy in the present environment for the current mode of operation of the ATC system. The introduction of automation into the ATC system requires capability in the areas of data link and enhances surveillance reliability for automatic tracking that the DABS system will provide. On this basis it is concluded that the ATCRBS system does not need major modifications to continue its role into the DABS period at locations where the environment and operation will be similar to that presently encountered. A number of recommendations are made regarding radar where new technology can provide significantly enhanced performance at little added cost. The introduction of a digital data link provides many opportunities and challenges. Most of them associated with tactical message handling are being addressed within the DABS program but attention is called to a related set of issues for messages originating from or destined for other than ARTS or NAS (e.g., FSS).
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Summary

This report discusses the transition from the ATCRBS-based surveillance function with voice radio only to a DABS-based surveillance function with integral digital communication capability to support IPC and automation. Recommendations are directed toward alleviation of certain problems already evident and toward preparation for the deployment of DABS beginning in the...

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Final report on task A surveillance and communication issues in the transition to a discrete address beacon system

Provisional Signal Formats for the Discrete Address Beacon System

November 9, 1973
  |
Project Report
Author:
Paul R. Drouilhet Jr
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report ATC-30
Topic:
surveillance
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This document specifies provisional DABS signal formats, i.e., the characteristics of the "signals-in-space"which for the DABS interrogations and replies. Also included is a discussion of the utilization of the described formats to effect the surveillance and data link communication functions for which DABS has been designed. These signal formats will be used in the design and construction of engineering development model transponders and interrogators for prototype system test and evaluation at NAFEC during Phase II of the DABS Development Program; and, with modifications resulting from this test and evaluation effort, will form the basis for the operational implementation of DABS.
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Summary

This document specifies provisional DABS signal formats, i.e., the characteristics of the "signals-in-space"which for the DABS interrogations and replies. Also included is a discussion of the utilization of the described formats to effect the surveillance and data link communication functions for which DABS has been designed. These signal formats will...

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Provisional Signal Formats for the Discrete Address Beacon System

Empirical assessment of ATCRBS

October 31, 1973
  |
Project Report
Author:
Alan G. Cameron
…
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report ATC-16
Topic:
surveillance
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This report discusses the operational performance of the FAA ATCRBS system, as determined from data extracted from the ARTS III digital processing system. Data was gathered from several sites including Andrews Air Force Base, (Md.), Logan International Airport (Boston, Mass.), and McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas, Nevada). Quantitative performance data, as well as discussion of the problem area and possible techniques and procedures for its solution, are provided in the areas of weak/broken targets, false targets, synchronous garble, interference, erroneous decoding, improper defruiter operation, and insufficient angular resolution. A discussion of improvements that can alleviate some of the deficiences of today's secondary radar (ATCRBS) system is included.
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Summary

This report discusses the operational performance of the FAA ATCRBS system, as determined from data extracted from the ARTS III digital processing system. Data was gathered from several sites including Andrews Air Force Base, (Md.), Logan International Airport (Boston, Mass.), and McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas, Nevada). Quantitative performance data...

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Empirical assessment of ATCRBS

Concepts for improvement of airport surveillance radars

February 26, 1973
  |
Project Report
Author:
Charles E. Muehe
…
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report ATC-14
Topic:
radar
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This report reviews the performance of operational ASR's, discusses each type of clutter with which the target must compete, examines presently employed methods of overcoming clutter and several state-of-the-art techniques which have not found their way into the ASR's for one reason or another. It concludes by describing two radars, one at S-band and one at UHF, which are believed to come closest to fulfilling ASR requirements in advanced ARTS facilities. The major improvements in performance will be derived from the use of linear optimum signal processing. Further gains will be achieved through the use of adaptive thresholds. STC will combat bird clutter. The radar will incorporate proper shaping of the antenna pattern so that aircraft off the peak of the antenna elevation beam will not be at a disadvantage compared to moving clutter at the peak. The recommended radar concepts also include radial velocity determination by Doppler measurement. This should prove of value in maintaining target tracks and in discrimination against ground vehicles.
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Summary

This report reviews the performance of operational ASR's, discusses each type of clutter with which the target must compete, examines presently employed methods of overcoming clutter and several state-of-the-art techniques which have not found their way into the ASR's for one reason or another. It concludes by describing two radars...

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Concepts for improvement of airport surveillance radars

A high performance, low cost, air traffic control radar

February 15, 1973
  |
Technical Report
Author:
Charles E. Muehe
…
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report TN-1973-12
Topic:
air traffic control
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

Recent improvements in the technology of electronically switched antennas and digital signal processing make possible a relatively high performance, low cost, surveillance radar. The radar described employs an electronically step-scanned, cylindrical antenna together with an advanced digital signal processor to give superior MTI performance at an estimated cost of less than half the present S-band ASRs. The radar output consists of narrow band, digital target reports free of false alarms, suitable for transmission over telephone lines. Remote radar operation using digital, bright, scan-history displays becomes practical as does easy incorporation of beacon and direction finder outputs along with digitally generated video maps. The complete absence of moving parts, the low power transmitter and the largely solid-state construction will provide high reliability and low maintenance costs. These techniques are most easily and economically implemented in the UHF band, but a similar L-band radar can be designed with somewhat increased complexity and cost. The techniques and background studies employed in the design of the proposed radar evolved over a period of three or four years as a result of work for the Air Force under Contract F19628-73-C-0002. Some of these techniques are being applied to improve the MTI performance of the ASR under FAA Contract DOT-FA71WAI-242.
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Summary

Recent improvements in the technology of electronically switched antennas and digital signal processing make possible a relatively high performance, low cost, surveillance radar. The radar described employs an electronically step-scanned, cylindrical antenna together with an advanced digital signal processor to give superior MTI performance at an estimated cost of less...

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A high performance, low cost, air traffic control radar

An experimental UHF ground surveillance radar, volume II

October 12, 1972
  |
Technical Report
Author:
Lincoln Cartledge
…
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report TR-497-II
Topic:
radar
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This is Volume 2 of the final report summarizing two years of work on ground-based foliage-penetration radar. The design and implementation of a breadboard radar system and of a theoretical and experimental investigation of target and propagation phenomena specific to the foliage-penetration problem are described. Volume 1 comprises three main sections: a short introduction; an overall description of the radar; and detailed descriptions of the hardware and software subsystems in the radar. Volume 2 describes the use of the radar as a measurements system for studying targets and the clutter environment, in addition to its use for demonstrating the feasibility of radar detection of walking men in foliage. Investigations of target return spectra, clutter return spectra, and clutter return amplitude statistics are reported. Theoretical models relating clutter spectra to wind turbulence and tree resonances are presented and compared with experimental results. Similarly, a previous theoretical prediction of target return spectra is compared with experimental results. Clutter return amplitude statistics are measured and found to be Gaussian under certain conditions. Finally, Vol.2 contains some comments on the relationships between the subclutter visibility and various parameters of digital MTI systems.
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Summary

This is Volume 2 of the final report summarizing two years of work on ground-based foliage-penetration radar. The design and implementation of a breadboard radar system and of a theoretical and experimental investigation of target and propagation phenomena specific to the foliage-penetration problem are described. Volume 1 comprises three main...

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An experimental UHF ground surveillance radar, volume II

Parallel approach surveillance

August 14, 1972
  |
Project Report
Author:
John B. Allen
…
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report ATC-13
Topic:
surveillance
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This report investigates the requirements imposed on a surveillance system for supporting independent approaches to closely spaced parallel runways. Based on a proposed procedure for monitoring aircraft approach paths and controlling deviations from proper approach paths, the required spacing between runway centerlines is derived as a function of surveillance system characteristics and other parameters. Potential trade-offs between the surveillance system characteristics are then investigated to determine whether the DABS sensor might be utilized for position measurement and/or communication in such a surveillance system. The results indicate that the required runway spacing is more sensitive to delays and data update intervals than to position measurement accuracies, and that, if DABS is to perform the communication function in the system, it should probably be used for position measurement as well.
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Summary

This report investigates the requirements imposed on a surveillance system for supporting independent approaches to closely spaced parallel runways. Based on a proposed procedure for monitoring aircraft approach paths and controlling deviations from proper approach paths, the required spacing between runway centerlines is derived as a function of surveillance system...

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Parallel approach surveillance

Final Report: Transponder Test Program

April 12, 1972
  |
Project Report
Author:
George V. Colby
…
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report ATC-9
Topic:
surveillance
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

Performance parameters of transponders installed in aircraft were measured to determine their degree of compliance with current specifications. A mobile van was outfitted with electronic test equipment which simulated the transmitter and receiver sections of a ground interrogator and which allowed measurement of transponder parameters. A horn antenna located near the aircraft under test was used to couple signals to and from the transponder. The results of measuremetns on 504 transponders installed in general aviation aircraft, 17 transponders installed in military aircraft, and 28 transponders installed in air carrier aircraft are reported. Of these, 31 general aviation, 2 military, and one air carrier transponders were inoperative. The results of measurements of reply frequency, squitter, delay, Mode C operation, dead time, P2/P1 ratio required for suppression, suppression time, framing pulse spacing, power output and sensitivity are included.
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Summary

Performance parameters of transponders installed in aircraft were measured to determine their degree of compliance with current specifications. A mobile van was outfitted with electronic test equipment which simulated the transmitter and receiver sections of a ground interrogator and which allowed measurement of transponder parameters. A horn antenna located near...

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Final Report: Transponder Test Program
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