Low-Cost ASDE Evaluation Report: Raytheon Marine (Phase I) Radar at MKE (ARPA M345O/18CPX-19), Volume I.

The FAA has identified the Airport Surface Detection Equipment as a radar system that aids air traffic controllers in tow visibility conditions to detect surface radar targets and sequence aircraft movement on active runways. Though 35 major U.S. airports will have an ASDE-3 by the year 2000, its high cost precludes its use at hundreds of smaller airports for them, low-cost COTS radar ASDE-X shows promise as a controllers aid in monitoring surface traffic and as a second sensor input to counteract shadowing, blanking and multipath problems. The FAA tasked the Volpe Center to evaluate Raytheon Marines ASDE-X. The Phase I evaluation was made with Raytheons Model ARPA M345018CPX-l9, a COTS radar with options added to adapt performance to the airport environment. This report details the characteristics, installation, and evaluation of this system at Milwaukees General Mitchell International Airport MKE. Phase II will more closely approximate ASDE-3 functionality. Test results show that, in low-visibility conditions, the system enhanced controllers situational awareness, detected and displayed targets, aided movement area clearance, and enabled confirmation of pilots reported positions and compliance with instructions. The ASDE-Xs positive initial acceptance and tow cost 100k versus ASDE-3s 6m make it potentially a good choice for small airports seeking effective ground surveillance radar.