A comparison of Perimeter Surveillance Radars (PSRs)

This whitepaper discusses and compares low cost mechanically scanned ground surveillance radars with sophisticated solid state electronic scanning radar systems…

With the continued targeting of aviation by terrorist groups worldwide, attention is turning from the strict levels of security employed for passenger screening to targeting ‘backdoor’ threats arising from relatively low levels of perimeter security at many of the world’s tier one and tier two airports. Other threats include intrusion by political activists or intruders intent on criminal activity, sabotage or attempting to stow away on aircraft.

Hitherto, airports have employed large numbers of CCTV cameras and security personnel to monitor for perimeter intrusions. However, the flat, open nature of airports allows perimeter surveillance radars (PSRs) to be installed as the primary sensor for the detection of breaches of the airport perimeter.

But not all radar technologies are equal in meeting the specific circumstances and needs of airport operators. This whitepaper discusses and compares low cost mechanically scanned ground surveillance radars with sophisticated solid state electronic scanning radar systems.