Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS): A Functional Overview of Active TCAS 1

Abstract

The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is a beacon- based airborne collision avoidance system that is able to operate in all airspace without reliance on ground equipment. The TCAS concept encompasses a range of capabilities that include TCAS I, a low-cost, limited-performance version, and TCAS II, which is intended to provide a comprehensive level of separation assurance in all current and predicted airspace environments through the end of this century. This document provides a functional overview of a TCAS I equipped with a low power active transponder detector. It includes a definition of TCAS I functions, calculated and measured surveillance performance for a low power interrogator and an implementation approach that incorporates the TCAS I functions in a Mode S transponder.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 08, 1983
Accession Number
ADA132281

Entities

People

  • J. D. Welch
  • V. A. Orlando

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Traffic
  • Air Traffic Control Radar
  • Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems
  • Aircrafts
  • Altitude
  • Beacons
  • Collision Avoidance
  • Collision Avoidance Systems
  • Data Links
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • False Alarms
  • Frequency
  • Radar
  • Radar Beacons
  • Transmitters
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space