Saab Expands Multilateration System at Lisbon International Airport to Provide Terminal Area Surveillance

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Aug 26, 2013, 09:00 ET

EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y., Aug. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Saab has successfully completed the expansion of its surface multilateration system at Lisbon International Airport into a Wide Area Multilateration (WAM) deployment for Terminal Maneuvering Area surveillance. Nav Portugal will use the WAM surveillance data to complement existing radar coverage of flights in the Lisbon Vectoring Area, with enhanced coverage of low flying aircraft.

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Previously, Saab's surface multilateration system for Lisbon's Advanced – Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) was deployed on-time and accepted into operation. The WAM system, comprised of existing A-SMGCS sensors and additional sensors in a wide area formation, provides tracking of Mode S, Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) and Mode A/C targets.

"By expanding the existing Saab multilateration system with additional sensors for terminal area surveillance, we increased our situational awareness of flights as well as added another back-up to the terminal area radar," said Carlos Alves, head of engineering department, Nav Portugal. "This further enhances the safety of flights today and provides us with a system that is fully ready for tomorrow's use of ADS-B."

Saab multilateration uses multiple low-maintenance, non-rotating sensors to triangulate aircraft location based on transponder signals. This provides air traffic controllers with precise aircraft position and identification information regardless of weather conditions. With a higher update rate and greater positional accuracy than traditional radar, multilateration delivers effective surveillance for increased safety, capacity and efficiency of airspace and surface operations.

By employing advanced processing techniques, a Saab multilateration system uses the minimal number of sensors for a less complex, lower lifecycle cost solution. Additionally, each multilateration sensor deployed by Saab supports ADS-B, providing an infrastructure that is ready for today's surveillance needs and tomorrow's avionics.

"Lisbon is a great example of how a Saab multilateration system can be expanded very cost-effectively to achieve a number of surveillance goals," said Ken Kaminski, general manager of Saab ATM. "By employing an expanded system for two applications, Nav Portugal is able to save on acquisition, maintenance and training costs. The WAM system can also be expanded in the future for en route surveillance."

Almost 100 sites worldwide have chosen Saab multilateration to enhance safety, efficiency, capacity and cost savings through airport surface surveillance, wide area surveillance and airport surface management.

Saab provides the global defense and aviation market with advanced sensor technologies, next-generation radars, automation, modeling and simulation solutions. it serves military, civil aviation, airport and airline customers in more than 40 countries across six continents.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers' changing needs.

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SOURCE Saab