Saab Sensis multilateration system at Dubai International Airport now operational

Saab Sensis has achieved operational status from the Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS) for its surface multilateration system at Dubai International Airport.
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The system provides DANS air traffic controllers with comprehensive, precise surveillance of aircraft operating on the surface of the airport with data being fused with other surveillance sources into an Indra Navia Systems Advanced – Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS). The multilateration system, the first such use of the technology at DXB, covers all runways, taxiways and gate areas of the airport.

“As the Middle East’s busiest airport, Dubai International demands reliable, proven technologies that ensure the safe operation of the airport and allows us to maximize efficiency,” said Yousuf Prizada, vice president, airfield and infrastructure, Dubai Aviation City. “Saab Sensis multilateration fulfills our requirements for enhanced situational awareness across the entire growing airport.”

The subsidiary of the Swedish defence and security specialist Saab has developed the system which uses multiple low-maintenance, non-rotating sensors to triangulate aircraft location based on transponder signals, providing 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, the multilateration system delivers effective surveillance for increased safety, capacity and efficiency of airspace and surface operations. By employing advanced processing techniques, the system uses the minimal number of sensors for a less complex, lower lifecycle cost solution. Additionally, each multilateration sensor deployed by Saab Sensis supports Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B), providing an infrastructure that is ready for today’s surveillance needs and tomorrow’s avionics.

“Our multilateration system delivers the precise surveillance needed for the airport today while providing a flexible infrastructure that can easily adapt as the airport grows,” said Ken Kaminski, senior vice president and general manager of Saab Sensis.

Almost 100 sites worldwide have chosen Saab Sensis technology which is also being deployed in the region through King Abdulaziz, King Fahad and Doha airports.”