New Terminal Area Radar Commissioned in Cairns

Airservices has commissioned a new terminal area radar near Cairns Airport which will enhance surveillance of aircraft in the airspace around the airport.

The $5.5 million upgrade is part of a $90 million modernisation program being carried out by Airservices to ensure the safe and efficient movement of air traffic in Australian airspace.

The radar replaces radar equipment installed in 1992 and includes an improved solid state primary radar with a 60nm (111km) range and a Mode S (select) capable Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar with a range of up to 256nm (474km).

Airservices Acting General Manager Technology and Asset Services, Dan Galazowski, said that the upgrade to the Redden Creek radar will ensure that the equipment continues to function safely and efficiently.

“The new radar will deliver significant benefits to Airservices and the aviation industry, including higher rates of operational availability, improved data and less frequent maintenance requirements,” Mr Galazowski said.

Work to replace the radar at Redden Creek, Cairns, began with the commissioning of a temporary radar at Machans Beach in October 2011.

“By using a temporary radar facility during these critical works, we were able to maintain high safety levels for aircraft while replacing key surveillance technology,” Mr Galazowski said.

The commissioning of the terminal area radar follows stringent flight inspection testing to ensure that it is operating accurately.

The new permanent radar is housed inside a dome to protect it from the high winds and other weather events that occur around Cairns particularly during the rainy season. The dome allows the radar to continue functioning in high winds, and will also lengthen the life expectancy of the equipment.

With the completion of the five month radar upgrade, the buildings and equipment used at the temporary radar site at Machans Beach will be removed from the site.