Accession Number:

ADA327689

Title:

Air Route Surveillance Radar Model 4 (ARSR-4) Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Final Report.

Descriptive Note:

Technical note,

Corporate Author:

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION TECHNICAL CENTER ATLANTIC CITY NJ

Personal Author(s):

• Healy, Thomas A.
• McDonald, Raymond K.
• Pomrink, Robert F.
• Conklin, William P.

Report Date:

1997-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

234.0

Abstract:

The Air Route Surveillance Radar Model 4 ARSR-4 is a state-of-the-art, three-dimensional, long-range radar. The system is being jointly procured by the Federal Aviation Administration FAA and the U.S. military. This radar will replace aging height-finding and long-range two-dimensional air search radars which are currently in use. Forty-four ARSR-4 systems are scheduled for installation around the coastal United States and in Hawaii, Guam, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This report presents the results of the Operational Test and Evaluation OTE of the ARSR-4 radar system. OTE Integration and Operational tests were conducted in accordance with FAA Order 1810.4B to verify that the ARSR-4 is operationally suitable and effective and can meet operational requirements when integrated into the National Airspace System NAS. Test results revealed that the ARSR-4 performs most basic functions well. Improved coverage was noted in areas with a history of poor coverage. Results also revealed that the ARSR-4 can process and provide message outputs for a capacity load within the primary coverage area. Controller comments were generally favorable although several problems were identified during testing. The ARSR-4 at Mt. Laguna had a significantly higher beacon split rate than the ARSR-3. The ARSR-4 did not perform reliably during the test period. The number of critical operational problems encountered was excessive. The ARSR-4 did not consistently recover from a short-term power loss. Several power related problems were discovered. Problems were also discovered with the ARSR-4 Built-in Test BIT and Fault Isolation Test FIT functions and resolution algorithms.

Descriptors:

• *AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
• *METEOROLOGICAL RADAR
• TEST AND EVALUATION
• ALGORITHMS
• OUTPUT
• REQUIREMENTS
• UNITED STATES
• COASTAL REGIONS
• CAPACITY(QUANTITY)
• RESOLUTION
• REPORTS
• ISOLATION
• OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
• SHORT RANGE(TIME)
• LONG RANGE(DISTANCE)
• CUBA
• POWER
• LOSSES
• MESSAGE PROCESSING
• HAWAII
• FAULTS
• GUAM

Subject Categories:

• Meteorology
• Air Navigation and Guidance
• Active and Passive Radar Detection and Equipment

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE