Conclusion

 The numerical simulation of the effects of objects and of the ground on radar systems on airports is discussed. The radar system and the operational aspects have to be combined, e.g terminal and/or enroute tasks of the ASR- and SSR-radar. This is in particular for the coverage (sectors) of the radar systems to be treated. The potential distortions of buildings and objects due to the radar systems have to be analyzed for a given situation in advance. Especially the radiation characteristics of the radar antennas (3D antenna pattern and polarisation) and the frequencies of operation have to be considered. Only if inacceptable distortions (e.g. false tracks) are generated measures to suppress reflection/diffraction may be treated and realized. These measures are very costly and are justified only if the positive effects for one system (e.g. SSR in one direction) are not balanced by negative effects on the other radar systems and on other more important systems on an airport (e.g. ILS). Physical countermeasure methods are discussed and applicable numerical methods are described and referenced. The limited bandwidth, the polarisation sensivity as well as the environmental rain load sensitivity is studied.

 
Acknowledgement

Very helpful technical discussions and cooperative comments by Prof. Dr. P. Kölzer (Fachhochschule Hamburg) are appreciated.
 

References