Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and Defence organisations need to ensure effective and safe data communication between surveillance systems, data-sharing in Service Level Agreements (SLA). They must be able to fully control the surveillance data flow, data content and verify the Quality Of Service (QoS).
Surveillance systems and standards are constantly in evolution. It is becoming more challenging to maintain and verify the surveillance systems’ Quality Of Service (QoS).

As provider of radar and sensor test equipment, Intersoft Electronics® developed the Surveillance Performance Model. This model explains the need of Sensor Performance Evaluations in different steps, from requirements mandated by ICAO [“ICAO Doc. 8071 Volume III”.] and EUROCONTROL [document “Radar Sensor Performance Analysis, SUR.ET1.ST03-10000-STD-01-01” chapter 4 and EUROCONTROL Specification for ATM Surveillance System Performance volume I (EUROCONTROL-SPEC-0147)].

The methodology depicts the logical flow of how a sensor’s performance has to be established:

This last step of “Monitor Performance” is further split into 4 different levels:

1. Real Time Quality Control (RTQC) by using Intersoft Electronics’ SMS
2. Level 1: System level analysis by means of Intersoft Electronics’ RASS® solutions complementary to the SMS

   • A RASS Level 1 evaluation provides a near real time monitoring of key radar quality parameters on a 24/7 basis.
   • Key performance parameters are monitored through trend analysis to ensure correct operation of a sensor.
   • These analyses are completed through the use of the RASS family of COTS products.

   By monitoring performance trends it is possible to provide early detection of system degradation before system failure occurs.

3. Level 2: Subsystem level analysis by means of Intersoft Electronics' RASS solutions

   • A RASS Level 2 evaluation provides a detailed technical analysis of the performance of the individual sub-systems that comprise the radar system.
   • This analysis will result in definition of the sensors coverage capabilities and operational performance capabilities and/or limitations against established standards or requirements.
   • The level 2 evaluation is conducted using the RASS family of COTS hardware and software components.

   A baseline evaluation can identify the reasons for possible performance degradation of a radar sensor. The baseline evaluation also provides the ability to test the efficacy of the radar sensor's optimisation.

4. Level 3: In depth/detailed analysis by means of Intersoft Electronics' RES/RTG solutions

   • A RASS Level 3 evaluation can be a single or multiple series of special tests designed to assess a radar system at a deeper level than the tests conducted in a sensor baseline evaluation. These tests are typically conducted during Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) or Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
   • Level 3 evaluations are made using the RASS family of equipment as well as specialist COTS equipment such as the Radar Environment Simulator (RES®) and Radar Target Generator (RTG).

   A special evaluation can also be used to assess the readiness of a radar sensor for flight inspection by injecting MSSR or PSR targets and comparing the results while the radar is working in its full operational state.

Our field services personnel have experience in the use of our analysis tools across a wide variety of radar systems produced by many different manufacturers around the world. We can therefore offer performance evaluation campaigns from Level 1 to 3.