Cassidian improves air traffic control at Vienna International Airport

Cassidian thus improves the reliability and precision of air traffic control and, for the first time, makes it possible for Austro Control to use the latest approach control processes for airspace surveillance.

A new air traffic control system guarantees reliable identification and guidance of aircraft
Our MSSR 2000 I system is the only air traffic control radar worldwide, which combines the two most advanced processes for airspace surveillance, explains Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Cassidian Electronics. This closes gaps in airspace surveillance, thus paving the way for a more efficient use of airspace. 

Unique combination of latest approach control processes
The MSSR 2000 I system combines the advanced processes of Mode S and ADS-B. On the one hand, this radar enables the active transmission of interrogation signals to collect movement data produced in the aircraft according to the latest Mode S air traffic control standard. However, on the other hand, it also allows for the passive reception of automatically broadcast identification signals from the aircraft. These signals contain data about an aircrafts position, its speed or even its destination. According to Mode S, for the first time, each aircraft is assigned an unmistakable digital address, which can be reliably identified without interference from external radio signals.

At the same time, transponders on board the aircraft constantly broadcast identification signals, which are received in the so-called ADS-B process (Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast) and which are combined with the Mode S data. The radar thus guarantees a real-time overview of the positions of all aircraft, resulting in a significant improvement in air traffic control and a more efficient use of the air space.

Similar secondary radars are also used by military forces, for the reliable identification of their own and friendly aircraft. For example, for military friend-or-foe identification, the MSSR 2000 I interrogator is deployed by the armed forces of Germany, France, the UK and Australia. In total, Cassidian has contracts for 275 systems in 25 countries.

About CASSIDIAN (www.cassidian.com)
Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing Lead Systems Integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land, naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cyber security, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2009, Cassidian with around 28,000 employees achieved revenues of € 5.4 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2009, the Group comprising the Divisions Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter generated revenues of € 42.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 119,000.

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