Carrier ATC
Abstract
Shipboard Air Traffic Control (SATC) systems, interfacing with versions of the AN/TPX-42A(V) Direct Altitude and Identity Readout (DAIR), allow shipboard Air Traffic Controllers to identify, marshal, and direct aircraft within a 50 Nautical Mile (NM) radius of the ship. At closer range (8NM) a ship's Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) and Independent Landing Monitor (ILM) are operationally required to affect safe landing on the moving decks of ships. The AN/SPN-41 ILM and AN/SPN-46 ACLS provide verification of aircraft approach glideslope position and precise aircraft automatic control respectively during its final approach and landing sequence to an aircraft carrier. Dual efforts are underway to improve the AN/SPN-46 system availability and supportability until at least September 2020. These efforts include various Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), and the Life Cycle Extension (LCE) program transitional changes include a re-architecture of its radar control group process with Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) technology, replacement of the computer group processing hardware, and conversion of system program software from CMS-2 to the more commonly used 'C' programming language. In recent years, the top 25 percent of the AN/SPN-43C frequency band has been reallocated to the Fixed Wireless Access Community prohibiting Air Traffic Control (ATC) Air Search Radar (ASR) operation within 50NM of the coast. Because the Navy requires an air traffic control radar, this project unit will include engineering efforts to identify requirements and develop a suitable replacement and bridging ECPs before the AN/SPN-43 becomes operationally ineffectual. Finally, the AN/TPX-42A(V) Direct Altitude and Identity Readout (DAIR) underwent several phased upgrades that have resulted in three field changes. System improvements include replacing militarized front-end equipment in the track processor with open architecture COTS technology, converting the operational program software to more commonly used and flexible "C" language, providing the "hooks" for potential interface with Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe, and integrating a flat panel monitor into the controller work station. The development of an ATC common console will reduce operational costs, improve reliability, and provide compatible interfaces and commonality for all ATC workstations. The addition of an embedded trainer within AN/TPX-42A(V) will improve controller training and increase flight safety.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2015
- Source ID
- 0993_0604504N_5_1319_PB_2015
Related Documents
- Root: Air Control
- Child Accomplishment: AN/SPN-43C
- Child Accomplishment: AN/TPX-42