Thales delivers the 1000th Air Traffic Surveillance worldwide radar milestone, a co-mounted primary TRAC NG and secondary RSM surveillance radar to DECEA, the Brazilian Department of Airspace Control.

Safe skies means safe transit through a number of given airspaces. It means that, at any given point in time, Air Traffic Control Operators (ATCO) must be aware of aircrafts’ position in their airspace to deliver efficient Air Traffic Management (ATM). Surveillance solutions are the “Eyes” of the ATCO. It means relying on a wide network of ground sensors enabling such coordination so that safety and punctuality can go hand-in-hand. It also means the detection capacity of non-cooperative aircrafts, playing a major role in air surveillance. ​

Since the first delivery in the 70’s, Thales’ portfolio is contributing to air safety with a full range of radars to manage air surveillance and control airport/airbase terminal areas. The range includes primary and secondary radars; the STAR NG (Primary Surveillance Radar for Approach) and the TRAC NG (Primary Surveillance Radar for En-Route) to detect non-cooperative aircrafts, aircrafts without transponders or with faulty transponders, capable of detecting targets of all sizes of aircrafts over an extended operational range coverage (more than 250 NM/460 km) and conducting wind farm mitigation and high clutter suppression to be resistant to harsh environment. And the Secondary Surveillance portfolio with the renowned RSM and latest innovation the RSM NG (for both Approach control and En-Route) to detect and identify cooperative aircrafts from commercial or military aviation.

At the forefront of new technologies, investing in R&D and capitalizing on 50 years of ATC experience, Thales has introduced many leading innovations for airspace safety to accompany evolving customer needs in both civil and military domains, as well as ensuring compliance with the latest safety regulations to provide safe and accurate, Approach and En-Route surveillance. ​

Upgrades and innovations include a family of radars with higher performances, especially for precision and detection, development of new features such as electronic protection measures, 3D, detection of zero speed aircrafts (such as helicopters), high speed/high maneuverability aircrafts (such as fighters) or merging traditional Mode S with ADS-B detection to enhance sensor performance, including a sustainable solar powered radar station.

“As the Brazilian Air Force incorporates another radar for the defense and control of Brazilian airspace, Thales celebrates the production and installation of its thousandth air traffic surveillance radar, in Forte Príncipe da Beira. This is an acquisition that demonstrates the FAB’s concern in controlling the 22 million square kilometers of our airspace as well as defending our borders.  This is an extremely important equipment, as it will enable the identification and interception of non-collaborative aircraft”, says Air Lieutenant Brigadier João Tadeu Fiorentini, Director General of DECEA.

Lionel de Castellane, Vice President Civil Segment Radars, Thales, adds:“The 1000^Th Thales air traffic surveillance radar worldwide reference is a demonstration of customers’ confidence and Thales’s track record to detect at all times – ensuring critical air safety and air surveillance – we thank all our clients for their trust. With more than 130 installed air surveillance radars in Brazil, and a 20 year relationship between Omnisys – a Thales company and DECEA we are proud to share the 1000^th Air traffic surveillance radar milestone in Brazil. The 1000th milestone is a testimony to Thales Air traffic surveillance radars with a solid reputation for performance and reliability”