Radar systems life expectancy
Accepted opinion is 15 years, but technology has advanced significantly in the last 10 years, leading to the introduction of non-traditional forms of airspace surveillance systems, i.e. ADS-B and multilateration.
Multilateration utilises data from Mode S transponders (and sometimes ADS-B) received in a ground based network of transceivers to triangulate aircraft position and present label data on present generation displays. Multilateration can be used in both airport and en-route (WAN) environments. NATS uses WAN multilateration in the North Sea to provide radar surveillance of helo operations.
At the airport level, NATS has selected a multistatic dependent surveillance (MDS) solution for ground surveillance at London Stansted Airport. MDS will provide full coverage of the airport’s runway, taxiway and stand areas to enhance the safe and efficient movement of aircraft on the ground. NATS has selected MDS for ground surveillance as a result of its successful performance at London Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
I believe that the Ronaldsway management has recently selected a Selex multilateration solution for the airport.
Hope it works.