Precision approach radar
The precision approach radar (PAR, Engl. Precision Approach Radar ) was in the Second World War developed to the returning from the use pilots even in poor weather conditions to lead safely to land. Apart from radio, no additional equipment in the aircraft was necessary for this system .
After the end of the war, after some further developments, the PAR was also used in civil aviation. For the first time, scheduled flight operations could begin.
The PAR is part of an overall system known as the GCA ( Ground Controlled Approach ). The GCA includes an ASR ( Aerodrome Surveillance Radar ) and a PAR.
The air traffic controller at PAR takes over an aircraft that has been guided into the final approach sector (approx. 18 km) by an air traffic controller at ASR. From this point the pilot is verbally guided to the decision height with course information and descent information. At the decision height, the pilot must be able to see the runway in such a way that landing is possible by sight. A PAR is used to fly up to CAT I (200 ft decision height and 550 m horizontal view ).
In the 1960s, almost all all-weather landing systems in civil aviation were converted to ILS and MLS . PAR systems have been further developed in the military sector and are still in operation on military airfields.
Web links
- C. Wolff, Radartutorial.eu Precision approach radar