FAA Approves In-service Decision for Sensis ASDE-X SystemAuthorizes Deployment of Scalable, Airport Surface Surveillance System
in National Airspace System Testing
DEWITT, NY – November 18, 2003 – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reached an In-service Decision (ISD) for the Sensis Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X) system at General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee. The ISD clears the way for deployment and operational use of the ASDE-X system at 34 of the nation’s airports.
“In October 2000, Sensis was awarded the prime contract to design, build, deploy, test and support the ASDE-X system for the FAA,” said Marc Viggiano, president of Sensis Air Traffic Systems. “Achieving ISD is the result of the dedication of the FAA and Sensis team, and a major milestone in this critical safety-related program.”
ASDE-X is an airport surface surveillance system that provides seamless surveillance and aircraft identification to air traffic controllers. The system uses a combination of surface movement radar, transponder multilateration and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) sensors to display aircraft position, labeled with flight call signs, on air traffic control tower displays. The system provides improved surveillance information to the air traffic controllers who are charged with the overall safety and efficiency of airport surface traffic.
“ISD was based on the FAA verifying operational readiness of the system,” said Viggiano. “Airway facilities specialists and air traffic controllers contributed significantly to the successful development of ASDE-X. Their efforts helped to ensure that ASDE-X had the functionality and operational integrity essential to an FAA air traffic control system.”
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