A new radar facility has been constructed at Cranfield, extending Cranfield Airport’s capabilities in supporting commercial operations and research projects.
The radar will be operational in 2026, and will improve the Airport’s capacity to map airspace, actively detecting aircraft rather than relying on them to transmit information.
It is the first on-site radar tower at the site for more than 30 years and is funded by UK Research and Innovation.
The 38-metre mono-tube radar tower is set to help Air Traffic Controllers at Cranfield understand more of the airspace activity around the Airport.
It provides air traffic controllers with the ability to separate aircraft arriving at the airport by distance rather than time which will greatly increase the capacity of the airport whilst also giving information of aircraft who may be in the vicinity of Cranfield Airport but, for whatever reason, not talking to it.
The increase in capabilities adds to the digital control tower operation at Cranfield Airport, which was the UK’s first operational remote tower when it opened in 2018.
“This exciting development will greatly enhance our surveillance of the air traffic in the local area airspace, increasing situational awareness, air safety and the capacity the airport is able to handle,” said Rob Abbott, Cranfield Airport’s Director.
“Currently our controllers only know of the existence of an aircraft in the local area if they are participating in the service. This system will mean the level of information available to pilots will be greatly increased, ensuring they can navigate the airspace. This system is a pivotal enabler to the airport supporting research in critical areas such as complex air mobility systems.
“The new radar is a huge boost to Cranfield Airport’s capabilities.”
