Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-MODEL X)

ASDE-X is a traffic management system for the airport surface that provides seamless coverage and aircraft identification to air traffic controllers. The system uses a combination of surface movement radar and transponder multilateration sensors to display aircraft position labeled with flight call-signs on an ATC tower display. The integration of these sensors provides data with an accuracy, update rate and reliability suitable for improving airport safety in all weather conditions. 

According to FAA, It was developed to help reduce critical Category A and B runway incursions.

The ASDE-X alerts air traffic controllers of potential runway conflicts by providing detailed coverage of movement on runways and taxiways. By collecting data from a variety of sensors, ASDE-X is able to track non-transponder equipped and transponder equipped vehicles and aircraft on the airport movement area.

The data that ASDE-X uses comes from the following sources:

1) Surface surveillance radar located on top of the air traffic control tower and / or surface surveillance radar located on a remote tower

2) Multilateration sensors located around the airport. 

3) Airport Surveillance Radars such as the ASR-9

4) Automatic Dependent Surveillance — Broadcast (ADS-B) sensors. 

5) Terminal automation system to obtain flight plan data.

By fusing the data from these sources, ASDE-X is able to determine the position and identification of aircraft and vehicles on the airport movement area, as well as aircraft flying on final approach to the airport.

Controllers in the tower are presented this information on a color display depicting aircraft and vehicle positions as an icon overlaid on a map of the airport's runways/taxiways and airport approach corridors. 

The system continuously updates the map of the airport movement area that controllers can use to enhance their situational awareness. It's particularly beneficial at night or during inclement weather when visibility is poor. The ASDE-X system is also equipped with visual and aural alarms that will alert controllers of possible runway incursions or incidents.

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