ATC in Scotland
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Reading, UK
Don't know about elsewhere, but Edinburgh's getting Mode S functionality. This doesn't mean Mode A and C won't be picked up though! It'll continue to work as before but we will be able to interrogate mode S transponders additional information.
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: UK
Glasgow is still Mode A and C ... mode S will arrive at some point. But the guys didn't know when, thats the last I heard.
Plus, I am no expert, but I thought mode S was just extra information ... so mode A and C secondary radars will still only get the Mode A and C info, not the extra stuff being broadcast from the aircraft transponder.
Not sure If I'm right, but that was my understanding of it.
Plus, I am no expert, but I thought mode S was just extra information ... so mode A and C secondary radars will still only get the Mode A and C info, not the extra stuff being broadcast from the aircraft transponder.
Not sure If I'm right, but that was my understanding of it.
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Well I know where I'm not....
If I understand it correctly (and I think I do!)
A mode S radar head looks for modes A, C & S. Until recently mode S radars have worked in combination with A/C radar heads, the sites are being replaced with MODE S only radar heads. Less equipment, less to go wrong.
A mode S radar head looks for modes A, C & S. Until recently mode S radars have worked in combination with A/C radar heads, the sites are being replaced with MODE S only radar heads. Less equipment, less to go wrong.
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 144
From: MARS
Yes on 31 Dec 2011 all Mode a/c radars should have been replaced by Mode S.
extract from Cap 761 here:
The environmental benefits of using Mode S interrogators for both civil and military ATS applications are fully recognised by the NISC. Consequently, under Schedule 5 of the Air Navigation Order (ANO) 2005, the UK CAA has mandated the carriage of Mode S transponders for the majority of aircraft operating in designated airspace1. Furthermore, it is developing policy to increase equipage levels and extend Mode S airspace2. The environmental benefits will only be realised fully with widespread Mode S equipage of ground interrogators and airborne transponders. Therefore, the NISC will no longer issue approvals for ground-based (including maritime) or airborne3 IFF/SSR Mode A/C interrogators after 31 December 2011.
extract from Cap 761 here:
The environmental benefits of using Mode S interrogators for both civil and military ATS applications are fully recognised by the NISC. Consequently, under Schedule 5 of the Air Navigation Order (ANO) 2005, the UK CAA has mandated the carriage of Mode S transponders for the majority of aircraft operating in designated airspace1. Furthermore, it is developing policy to increase equipage levels and extend Mode S airspace2. The environmental benefits will only be realised fully with widespread Mode S equipage of ground interrogators and airborne transponders. Therefore, the NISC will no longer issue approvals for ground-based (including maritime) or airborne3 IFF/SSR Mode A/C interrogators after 31 December 2011.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Paisley
Thats the bit I was looking for. I think the wording that is important is that they will no longer issue approvals for mode a/c radars after 31 December 2011 so only Mode S approvals after that. So I guess it will take some time to phase out mode a/c
Tom
Tom
