Accession Number:
ADA257696
Title:
A Description of the Mode Select Beacon System (Mode S) and Its Associated Benefits to the National Airspace System (NAS)
Descriptive Note:
Final rept.
Corporate Author:
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON DC SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SERVICE
Personal Author(s):
Report Date:
1992-08-01
Pagination or Media Count:
43.0
Abstract:
This report provides a historical perspective and technical description to clarify the background and benefits of the mode select beacon system Mode S. First, a brief synopsis of the development of the Mode S surveillance function is given in Section 2.0. Section 3.0 provides an overview of the operation of both ATCRBS and Mode S systems to highlight their operational differences. Section 4.0 discusses benefits which will be realized solely as a consequence of Mode S ground sensor installation. Section 5.0 describes how Mode S ground sensor installations provide immunity to synchronous garble and other ATCRBS deficiencies, and describes the advantages realized as a result of near-universal Mode S transponder equipage. The Mode S data link function is described in Section 6.0. This report describes the operation of the Mode S subsystem and identifies benefits that the Mode S system provides to the National Airspace System NAS for surveillance and data link operations. These benefits include a reduction in asynchronous interference, reduced sensitivity to synchronous garble, and more accurate and reliable surveillance, and support of air-ground data link operations. This report addresses the benefits of using the mode select Mode S beacon system as an alternative for replacement of existing air traffic control beacon interrogators.
Descriptors:
Subject Categories:
- Military Intelligence
- Air Navigation and Guidance
- Active and Passive Radar Detection and Equipment