A320: TCAS new detection range ?

[kuwait340]

Hi,

i have noticed on our A320 TCAS some traffic detected at a reange more than 40nm.

i have seen once at 80nm, and some at 50nm.

one pilot told me that this new TCAS detect upto 100nm.

i looked into FCOM1 Rev.42B but found nothing on this one.

any ideas ?

[Antunes]

Hello Kuwait340,

Your friend is right. Newer TCAS models can detect aircraft up to 100nm.

Generally speaking, the older models can detect up to 30-40nm. The "enhanced" ones can detect up to 80nm and the brand new ones can detect up to 100nm.

We have a very mixed fleet (from s/n 02XX up to 38XX), and sometimes you can see the difference - especially during the enroute phase.

Also, the older aircraft only display traffic on ND at ranges 10,20 and 40nm. If you're using at a greater range, a message will appear to reduce the ND range to check the traffic inbound.

Check FCOM1 1.34.80 p1 and 1.34.80 p8 for more details...

[kuwait340]

Thank you very much, i have checked the FCOM and found that it says detection range is 80nm.

appreciate it.