SURVEILLANCE RADAR
Surveillance Radar is used to provide guidance to the a/c and bring it to a few miles from the approach end of the runway.
It utilizes Primary Radar.
The a/c is required to do certain maneuvers in order to be identified by the Ground controller. The Ground Controller than guides the A/c to descend and carry out a approach and align it to the runway, the A/c maneuver capability limitations has to be borne in mind by the Ground Controller.
The accuracy of the approaches flown depends on the knowledge of the Ground Controller and the ability of Pilot to follow the instructions.
PRECISION APPROACH RADAR- utilizes Primary Radar.
It guides A/c on approach and virtually instructs Pilot to land on the Runway and advises descent up to Minimum Descent Altitude.
WEATHER RADAR– used by the meteorological officers for Weather Observation, like Front movements or Thunderstorm Activity etc.
SURFACE RADAR– assists A/c to Taxi and enter, and vacate the active Runway. It is usually installed at the airports with very low visibility. At airports with very low visibility it is a standard procedure to follow the Surface Radar for the taxi operations.
Range up to 3 N.M.
AERODROME SURVEILLANCE RADAR- basically gives Positional information to A/c in its control area.
Range up to approx 30 N.M
ENROUTE RADAR – when a Primary Radar is used for en route coverage, it gives approximate range and bearing of class “C”.
Range is up to approx 300 N.M.
(Class “C” Bearings = Accurate with in ± 10°)
(Class “C” Position = Accurate with in 50 N.M.)