Surface Movement Guidance & Control System (SurfTrack) is a modern A-SMGCS (Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System) aimed to cope with the increasing airport traffic by significantly enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of the ground movement control (Apron and Tower). The system provides surveillance and positive identification of ground traffic, improves all weather situation awareness, and provides comprehensive conflict alerts. Overall optimization is achieved by the SurfTrack’s capability to interface with all relevant airport systems.
System Highlights - Recording and Playback
• Tracking of ground traffic (airborne and surface targets) due to sophisticated Multi Sensors Data Fusion
• Positive identification of ground traffic
• Comprehensive conflict alerts
• Advanced HMI (Human-Machine Interface) supporting ground movement control
• Comprehensive system control for high availability
• Legal Recording and Playback
• Integration with airport systems (such as Lighting system, FPL)
Capabilities
Advanced HMI
Provides modern GUI designed to support controllers in different roles and implements the following concepts:
• The GUI is centered around the Surface/Air Situation Picture display
• Control-oriented system:
o Each controlled aircraft (track) is assigned to one controller
o Unauthorized track manipulation is prevented
o Standard ATC procedures are supported, including acceptance of aircraft, hand-off, release, flight control clearances etc.
o Direct manipulation of track symbols using mouse/trackball and direct data entry via manipulation of the track data blocks.
• Specific support for various controller roles, including "controller" (tactical), "assistant" (planning controller), "taxi", "ground", "apron" and "coordinator" (supervisor controller) etc.
• The HMI is aimed at:
o Improving controllers’ decision-making, resulting in improved safety and reduction in human errors.
o Reduction of controllers’ workload, support for safe and efficient air/surface control at high densities.
Sensor Data Fusion
Sensor Data Fusion performs processing of inputs from a variety of sensors for tracking airborne (aircraft) and surface (aircraft, vehicles) targets. The fused data produces an up-to-date, accurate, continuous, and uniform Surface and Air Situation Picture for all users. The benefits are:
• Overcoming the detection difficulties of individual sensors by supplementing their reports with reports from other sensors
• Improving cumulative probability of detection, reducing cumulative probability of false tracks
• Improving position estimation accuracy
• Quick track initiation
• Stable tracking in high density target areas
• Stable tracking in high density target areas
• Detection and tracking of maneuvering targets
• Reliable height (altitude) data
• Tracking in Clutter and Multi-Path environments
Identification and "Safety-Net" Data Processing
• Provides positive identification for all airborne and surface targets
• Provides alerts for:
o Runway incursion
o Unsafe runway crossing
o Taxiway and road crossing
System Control
• Provides management of system configuration, monitoring system resources, fault tolerance, communications, data base infrastructure and recording management
• Provides hot-backup for each critical equipment part (computers, LAN, routers)
Legal Recording and Playback
• Recording and Playback allows reproduction of tracking and operational data, as well as A/G and G/G communications, utilizing the following concepts:
o Controlled playback of recorded data
o Full playback of all data allowing comprehensive debriefing of past events
o Synchronized playback of the recorded ASP and communications channels to facilitate debriefing of ATC events including support for Search and Rescue operations
• Special analysis tools are used for recorded data, including 3D displays, variety of playback controls and various playback speeds etc.
Sensor Suite
Tracking is based on all available sensors and technologies. These may include ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar), SMR (Surface Movement Radar), ADS, ADS-B, cooperative sensor multilateration (via Mode S), and passive magnetic sensors to cover SMR shadow areas. Thus, coverage of the whole airport area is guaranteed for both cooperative and non-cooperative targets.
Integration with Airport Systems
• Interface and integration with different airport systems is possible, including:
o Sensors
o Flight Plans (FPL) data systems
o Airport lighting system
o Stand docking system
o Approach / TMA ATC systems
o Provision for aircraft planning guidance and control
Recording & Debriefing Tools
- ATCARE - Voice and Radar Recording and Analysis Environment
- ASPLogger - Radar Logging and Replay
- RadarWatch - Malfunctions and Performance Analysis