A Description of the Mode Select Beacon System (Mode S) and Its Associated Benefits to the National Airspace System (NAS)
Abstract
This report provides a historical perspective and technical description to clarify the background and benefits of the mode select beacon system (Mode S). First, a brief synopsis of the development of the Mode S surveillance function is given in Section 2.0. Section 3.0 provides an overview of the operation of both ATCRBS and Mode S systems to highlight their operational differences. Section 4.0 discusses benefits which will be realized solely as a consequence of Mode S ground sensor installation. Section 5.0 describes how Mode S ground sensor installations provide immunity to synchronous garble and other ATCRBS deficiencies, and describes the advantages realized as a result of near-universal Mode S transponder equipage. The Mode S data link function is described in Section 6.0. This report describes the operation of the Mode S subsystem and identifies benefits that the Mode S system provides to the National Airspace System (NAS) for surveillance and data link operations. These benefits include a reduction in asynchronous interference, reduced sensitivity to synchronous garble, and more accurate and reliable surveillance, and support of air-ground data link operations. This report addresses the benefits of using the mode select (Mode S) beacon system as an alternative for replacement of existing air traffic control beacon interrogators.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA257696
Entities
People
- P. D. Hodgkins
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration