FINAL REPORT - Stakeholders - Ofcom

General Improvements to the Spectral Characteristics of Primary Radar
Recommendation 3.4: A long term policy to replace magnetron transmitters should be
adopted. Such improvements could be instigated by CAA and Ofcom under the terms of
the licensing agreement. The cost of replacing magnetron systems is estimated at £66m
(S band and X band approach radars) and could be implemented under the normal
replacement cycle. Increases in spectral efficiency are likely to be offset by increasing
demand for radar services.
Recommendation 3.5: In the short term, consideration should be given to equipping
magnetron transmitters with low pass filters to meet the current emission mask. This
approach may be necessary where the systems concerned have a long life expectancy.
Costs are in the range £20k to £100k per installation.
Recommendation 3.6: The current unwanted emission mask should be adopted as the
medium term goal for primary radar systems.
Recommendation 3.7: Pulse compression should be the technology of choice for future
primary radar systems for both operational requirement and spectrum reasons.
Recommendation 3.8: Solid state transmitters should be adopted for future systems
given the ability to control pulse rise and fall times to minimise the out of band emissions
and the single channel fail soft capability to minimise frequency requirements. This
approach is also preferred for operational requirement reasons.
Band Sharing
Recommendation 3.9: More visibility of spectrum used by the military in the L and S
bands may assist the delivery of improved spectrum efficiency. Ofcom should consider an
initiative in this area.
Recommendation 3.10: The overriding recommendation in the area of band sharing is
for the development of a methodology which can assess the feasibility of band sharing.
This would lead to a more strategic approach to the identification of band sharing
opportunities. These developments should be carried out by a group representing all
interested parties.
Recommendation 3.11: Studies into the use of a statistical approach to band sharing
opportunities should be continued and extended to include full consideration of
operational and technical requirements of radar services.
Recommendation 3.12: The use of 3D radars in ATC applications should be considered
for long term R and D. Studies into the cost and benefits, operational validation and
methods of funding should be reviewed.
Recommendation 3.13: Increased standardisation of primary radar characteristics
should be considered as a means for improving spectral efficiency and increasing
compatibility with potential band sharing services. Improved spectrum utilisation
characteristics should be a standardisation objective. Standardisation could be carried out
by industry bodies such as EUROCAE for technical standards or by EUROCONTROL for
operational standards. Global aspects would require the involvement of ICAO. It is
considered that increased standardisation would achieve operational benefits as well as
spectrum utilisation benefits.
Recommendation 3.14: Band sharing should only be contemplated in a fully regulated
environment.
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