Improved Trace (Taxiing and Routing of Aircraft Coordination Equipment) Detectors

This report contains the results of technical and operational tests of a system designed to detect aircraft movement s on the airport surface and in the approach zone of a runway. This system, known as TRACE (Taxiing and Routing of Aircraft Coordination Equipment), consisted of three equipments employing different techniques for aircraft detection. The techniques employed were: (1) a modified induction loop detector,
(2) a modified cw doppler detector (S-band), and (3) an fm/cw doppler detector (X -band). Ope rational tests we re conducted on each of the three types of detector units to determine their capabilities of detection and coverage patterns. Aircraft were taxied at various speeds through the detection fields as well as flown at various altitudes in the approach zone of the runway to determine the respective coverage patterns. In addition to gathering information on the reliability of each type of unit, tests were made to determine the effects of climatic variations and lightning discharges, and the susceptibility of the units to false triggering due to rain, foliage, and/or bird movements.

Test results indicate that the fm/cw doppler detection technique requires major modification to become suitable for use in a detection system. The cw doppler detection technique and the induction loop detection technique are feasible and tests employing a larger sampling of detectors In conjunction with a complete TRACE System should be carried out.