Cobham : Keeps Airports Safe from Wind Farm Interference

Basingstoke: Cobham Special Mission has completed delivery of its RDS Track Mosaic Functionality into the Wind Farm Mitigation System at two UK airports: Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Chester Hawarden Airport. The Civil Aviation Authorities' safety approved solution is now in-service, with Air Navigation Order approval from the Civil Aviation Authorities Safety Group.

Wind turbines can cause interference to the radar signals Air Traffic Controllers use to direct aircraft. The turbine blades can appear as 'clutter' on radar screens and can be mistaken for aircraft. Traditionally this has been addressed by 'blanking' out the area, which whilst effective, is not a long term sustainable solution. The Cobham RDS Track Mosaic Functionality uses the airport's local Primary Surveillance Radar, together with a Secondary Surveillance Radar to provide a full radar display that is not impacted by the wind farm turbines.

Cobham's solution will fully mitigate the impact of the proposed 19 turbine 50MW onshore Frodsham Wind Farm on the radar systems at both Liverpool John Lennon airports and Chester Hawarden.

Cobham Special Mission Vice President, Mr Darren Moncrieff said 'Cobham is delighted to have worked with National Air Traffic Services (NATS) once again in delivering an effective mitigation solution on the effects of wind farm turbines on surveillance radars which, in turn, enhances flight safety. The solution used is a continuation of proven Cobham technology, integrated into differing sensors and displays, and is now in operational use with the Controllers at Liverpool John Lennon and Chester Hawarden airports.'

'Cobham was able to deliver this technology against a demanding schedule, and with our provision of extensive technical and operational evidence supporting the RDS Track Mosaic Functionality, NATS were able to quickly gain Civil Aviation Authority safety approval into service for the overall system.'

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We combine state-of-the-art technology with complex air platforms to deliver customised airborne surveillance, operational readiness training and search and rescue services, as well as ground support systems.

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