Low-Cost ASDE Evaluation Report: Raytheon ASDE (Phase II) Radar at MKE (M3625 / 18CPX-12)

The Federal Aviation Administrations FAA Runway incursion Reduction Programs Terminal Surveillance product Team has tasked the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center to install and evaluate low cost Airport Surface Detection Equipment ASDE radar systems to aid air traffic controllers, during low visibility conditions, to detect surface radar targets and sequence aircraft movement on active runways. This document publishes test results of the Raytheon ASDE installed at Milwaukees General Mitchell Airport. The low cost radars are being assessed for their ground surveillance potential for widespread use at smaller facilities. The report includes radar components and specifications, installation summary, functional and operational evaluations, system performance analysis, and recommendations. Test results show that, in low visibility conditions, the system enhanced controllers situational awareness, detected and displayed targets, aided movement area clearance, and enabled controllers to confirm pilots reported positions on the surface and their compliance with tower instructions. The ASDEs positive initial acceptance and low cost make it a sound option for small airports seeking effective ground surveillance radar.