UK air navigation services provider NATS and radar manufacturer Terma have trialled the latter’s Scanter system to analyse its performance as an extended range wind turbine mitigation system.
This single radar will be able to provide surveillance functions to airports and reduce the effects of wind turbines. The trials were carried out between January and March.
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The initial results of the trials showed that apart from mitigating the effects of wind turbines, the radar will also be able to detect aircraft through wind farm locations even beyond the range of 40nm.
After success in the initial trial, the radar was further evaluated in August by the UK Civil Aviation Authority as part of its Spectrum Release programme, which confirmed that the system could detect small targets beyond 40nm with good low level coverage.
The CAA will also carry out further testing on the technology.
Speaking about the development of the radar, NATS director of engineering services Iain Harris said: "We are committed to working with a range of developers and radar manufactures to find the best way for airports to mitigate the impact of wind turbines.
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By GlobalData"These latest trials with TERMA represent a breakthrough for airport operations, adding to our progress we have already made in the en-route environment. By supporting a range of technologies, we can help airports to manage their long-term risk while ensuring they have a solution that best fits their individual needs."
Michael Agergaard Riis from Terma said: "Our solutions are based on well-proven products designed for mission-critical applications, which enable us to minimise risk and respond quickly to customers’ needs.
"The recent trials, together with NATS, have further strengthened our belief that the SCANTER 4002 radar is a very capable solution for single radar wind farm mitigation."
