Originally Posted by
c-bert
What is the difference between an SSR
SSR is Secondary Surveillance Radar. It depends on a transponder in the aircraft.
and an IFF with regard to controlling aircraft out over the North Sea?
IFF is Identification Friend or Foe and is an SSR.
If your IFF is providing height data is it any different from a Mode 3 SSR?[
Confusion.
IFF on its own does not provide height. Mode 3 SSR is simply One IFF Mode. The Mark 10 (12?) IFF has 4 (5?) modes. Mode 1 is a military specific mode. Mode 2 is a military unique identifier. It may identify a single platform or a single unit (multiple platforms). Mode 3 is a general ATC code and identical in effect to civilian SSR Mode A.
SSR Mode A does not provide height either.
Height is provided by Mode C and may be ordered by at ATC unit as Squawk Mode C or Squawk Altimeter.
What are the controllers (thinking about the ASACS boys) limitations on providing a service if their SSR/IFF is U/S? Basically, can you give a full RIS/RAS/RC without an SSR?
No.
What class of airspace is it out over the North Sea?
The North Sea is divided into various classifications of airspace from danger areas, airways lower and upper airspace. In otherwords almost all the classes of airspace exist over the North Sea including HPZs.