TCAS over RIKET

[maksim]

G’day ,

Every time flying East from DXB via LALDO or TONVO SIDs I wonder what an unmoving aircraft gives a symbol on TCAS right over RIKET. Tried to see anything during daylight, but failed. Any idea ?

[Dan Winterland]

If it doesn't have a height it may be a military radar installation. Some systems such a Patriot and the shipborne AEGIS system have an IFF interrogator which looks at your squawk. If it interrogates you, TCAS shows it as a contact, in this case with no height readout.

[Funk]

it is our ground reference marker for the ssr radars for DB and the UAE ACC but don't tell anyone i told you

[maksim]

Thank you mats for your replies, previously I guessed that it is an unmanned balloon with basic transponder, now I know that you closely watch me

[320DRIVER]

Wouldn't these ground reference txponders normally have their Mode C ALT set to an extremely high FL so they would not "conflict" with aircraft TCAS?

[Nimmer]

Would love to know what it is too. Shows on the radar, with a 4 letter code but no height info, and never moves!!

Probably something very secret, if "they" told you "they" would have to shoot you!!!!

[MR8]

Isn't that the military base near Masafi?

MR8

[Fox3snapshot]

There are a few of them in the FIR, unfortunately one has ended up right on the main waypoint on departure which has caused some grief...