[Avionics Today 12-23-2015] NAV CANADA has launched a $125 million multi-year project to upgrade Terminal Surveillance Radar (TSR) at 12 sites. The project will be phased in starting with five major airports with work underway in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Hamilton, Ontario.
Aeromexico’s modern fleet is now flying at Toronto Pierson International Airport. Photo: Nav Canada.
“These radar systems are over 30 years old and are nearing the end of their lifecycle,” said Kim Troutman, Vice President of engineering at NAV Canada. “Radar is one of the key surveillance sources for air traffic control and will continue to be an indispensable tool for the mid and long-term in its existing role and as a complement to satellite-based [Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast] ADS-B surveillance.
NAV CANADA operates 46 radar sites across the country, which provide air traffic surveillance utilized by Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) and Flight Service Specialists (FSS). Under a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) evaluation process, NAV CANADA chose Selex ES, a subsidiary of Finmeccanica, as the supplier for the new radar technology.
“Due to the age of the systems, various electronic components are becoming obsolete and parts are sometimes difficult to replace,” noted Troutman. “This upgrade program will replace key electronic equipment while maintaining the radar site infrastructure in place. Each radar upgrade will improve reliability, advance the exchange of data, lower maintenance costs and mitigate potential service outages.”