Raytheon UK’s heritage in air traffic management systems in the UK stretches back to the first origins of the technology and the birth of AC Cossor.
Our technology is relied upon to marshal more than two-thirds of the world’s air traffic due to its precision accuracy and ability to detect aircraft even within the most crowded airspace.
Designed and manufactured in the UK, our products are exported globally to RTX customers. Find out how Raytheon UK delivers Air Traffic Management Systems in more than 45 countries and learn about our most advanced MSSR to-date via the video below.
MSSR Condor Mk3 surveillance
Less energy, greener footprint
Raytheon UK’s next-generation Mode S MSSR system.
This innovative, new, low-cost, high-probability detection radar brings together indigenous state-of-the-art surveillance technologies to provide cutting-edge, reliable, hardware to air traffic operators around the world.
A next-generation solution built on the excellent pedigree of the company’s successful Condor Mk2, the Mk3 introduces enhanced features such as a high-duty cycle transmitter and built-in ADS-B advanced decoding capability. Raytheon UK's ADS-B patented decoding algorithms ensure superior performance in the harshest environments.
Our air traffic management capabilities
Multi-mission radar
Skyler is an Active Electronically Scanned Array that surveys the airspace and atmosphere for use in aviation and weather applications. Without the need for moving parts, unlike other aviation and weather radars, Skyler provides high-resolution data needed for aircraft separation and weather forecasters.
Skyler can scale up from a single radar to a geographically distributed network of radars, all working collaboratively to provide timely data over a large area. This makes it suitable for upgrading long-range radar systems with the added capability to mitigate gaps in coverage.
Skyler provides low-altitude coverage to address the "below the radar" challenge and sense weather events that go undetected today. Skyler is here to help improve our awareness.
Automated systems
Air Traffic Controllers in Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) stations use Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) to provide safe and efficient aircraft spacing and sequencing guidance for departing and arriving aircraft in airports and U.S. military terminal areas. In 2018, the STARS team was recognised by the Air Traffic Control Association for exceptional performance delivering America's next-generation air traffic control system for terminal area airspace management.
Did you know?
AC Cossor chief engineer Richard Trim was one of the key engineers behind the development of air traffic systems and is known as the ‘father of secondary radar’. Systems created by Trim are still in use today.
Cossor’s SSR type 1 system was deployed for trials at Heathrow during the 1950s, based on the innovations in radar that helped to turn the tide of WW2. Its SSR 5G system was the first ever civilian aircraft control system, deployed at Heathrow Airport from the 1960s onwards. After more than 30 years in service, the SSR 950 Secondary Surveillance Radars, are still in service with RAF. While they had been set to reach the end of their lifecycle five years ago, these systems remain fully operational and continuing to effectively deliver for Britain’s armed forces.
Air traffic navigation, integration and coordination
The Air Traffic Navigation, Integration and Coordination System (ATNAVICS) is the world's only fully autonomous, highly mobile, battlefield- proven, International Civil Aviation Organization compliant, complete Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) system that is transportable in a single C-130 aircraft.
The system provides air traffic services for the rapid deployment of troops and equipment to remote locations and in support of humanitarian missions.
Navigation and landing systems
Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) is a software-based, high-integrity differential GPS navigation and precision approach landing system that guides aircraft onto carriers and amphibious assault ships in all weather and surface conditions. It uses an anti-jam encrypted datalink to communicate between the aircraft and an array of GPS sensors, antennas and shipboard equipment.
Deployable air traffic control and communications
Designed to be readily adaptable and easily transportable, the Deployable Air Traffic Control Automation and Comms System (DAACS) fills air traffic control needs with its transportable shelters. DAACS is interoperable with a variety of radars and sensors and is equipped with Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) controller terminals, can send and receive flight data and can be set up in less than eight hours.
The future of Air Traffic Management systems is being developed right now at Raytheon UK
Raytheon UK is committed to looking at the next generation of secondary radar and has already developed some emerging technology, creating new export opportunities.
Radar systems used today remain broadly the same as they always have been, however, there are new challenges in managing airspace that are emerging, such as drone detection.
If you have an interest in the future of aviation, join us here @RaytheonUK.
Customer support
Our Customer Services and Support (CSS) team is a dedicated business unit set up to ensure that customers maintain the capability and functionality of their Raytheon UK product throughout the in-service life of the equipment.
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