Mode S Indentification
 

How many (and which) units are currently Mode S equipped?

No ATC Centres are Mode S eqipped yet at NATS units. The first will be TC at the end of 2005.
Some airports (LL) use Mode S on their ground radar. I believe it is also used to activate some other ATC systems at airports.
All TCAS equipped aircraft have Moce S transponders.

Background CAA document here ;

CAA Mode S Factsheet

ta

I recently asked the question - "How many Heathrow inbounds are Mode S equipped"? Answer "98%". :eek:

... but it couild be 0% and ATC wouldn't know?

Keef,

ATC at LL would know as the surface movement radar makes use of Mode S info.

At least one of the TMA radars is also Mode S capable although we're not using the data just yet. The others are in the process of being upgraded.

WF.

Agree with all of above, nobody is currently using the additional information that can be provided by the new Mode S radars.

BUT

Because of the selective addressing, the problem of garble (eg. data corruption when aircraft are close) is eliminated so the integrity of the data is much better even when just getting Mode 3/A and height. Its really apparent when you compare results in a stack.

RR

NATS will not be using anything more than selected altitude in TC until 2012 at the earliest. That's the date for the new FDP system at Swanwick. Yeah right. just like 1996 was the date for the last one.

Its called iTEC, its a development of the Spanish system and their aint one in existance. Whats the chances?

:mad:

Minesapint,

TC will have available more than just the selected altitude when we go operational with Mode S, or else all the trials I've been involved in I've just imagined the other stuff.

WF.

iTEC is in fact a colaborative venture between the UK, Spain and Germany. Each country has substantial need for enhanced FDP and each has previously developed its own plans for future systems.

The Spanish do have an exeedingly good FDP system currently in place and that will be the basis of the new UK system which will start with installation in the new Prestwick Centre 2008.

Of course it will.....

Glad you recant minsapint :)

I do I do! Actually, I have a great deal of faith in the abilities of the Germans, Spanish and most of the Brits working on iTEC / eFDP. I have my doubts about 2012 that's all. I think SACTA will go into SCACC and probably close to on time. We shall see.

I have grave doubts about the future of Mode S in the UK. My understanding is its tied to iTEC but I don't know for certain. If iTEC is late then flight ID and all the other Mode S benefits get later etc etc. I think SACTA is not Mode S enabled!

My main concern is iTEC into Swanwick based on the last effort. It has to replace NAS and Swanwick systems. There is not a iTEC anywhere yet. SACTA just will not cut it. See my concerns? :sad:

Minesapint

Mode S will be delivered for use within TC on our present Node L system. It has been developed for use in enhanced stack management by many operational controllers as well as some very talented engineers. It does produce some very tangible enhancements to safety in and around the stack and does deliver some capacity enhancements. I should be operational in 2005.

I understand entirely your cynicism about NATS ability to deliver anything on time but I really think the TC Node L Mode S Stack Management will be a project to celebrate rather than denigrate.

But I could be wrong;)

The last thing I would do is denegrate this system or the people that work on it. I did not intend to give that impression. Not that I tink I did. By the way, Mode S elementary surveillance in Europe is delayed until 2007. Cynical - moi?

ARTCAS
 

I read today the press release from Eurocontrol about the implemetaion of the ARTCAS system. Can anyone tell me how many centres are equipped to receive Mode S and if you think it is at all useful. The few people i have spoken to say its a waste of time.

Most of the features of Mode S will be of benefit to ATC. Flight ID means no need for 4096 codes. Sel Alt and other features like those being used in LTCC for stack monitoring are most useful.

Some of the main benefits seem to be in the area of RF pollution.

I am sure there are more. If it evef 'fully' happens.