ENAIRE has taken a step forward in air safety in the Balearic Islands with the installation of its first 3D primary radar. This system, located at a strategic point in the archipelago, can detect and track aircraft without them having to emit signals, offering three-dimensional data on position, altitude, and speed. A technical improvement that reinforces air traffic control and the ability to react to any unforeseen event in the region.
Three-dimensional coverage without relying on the transponder 🛰️
Unlike secondary radars, which require the aircraft to respond with a code, this 3D primary radar operates independently. It emits waves that bounce off any object, from a commercial airliner to a drone, and calculates its trajectory on three axes. The technology can distinguish targets with precision even in adverse weather conditions. For controllers, it provides an extra layer of information that complements current systems, reducing blind spots in high-density traffic areas.
Goodbye to ghost planes (and excuses) 😈
Until now, if a pilot wanted to go unnoticed over the Balearic Islands, they just had to turn off the transponder and play dumb. With the new radar, that's over. The system sees everything, even those small planes that fly low so their occupants can enjoy the coves without being disturbed. Of course, controllers are already rubbing their hands together: fewer surprises and less paperwork. Pilots, on the other hand, will have to find another excuse to explain why they were flying in circles over Formentera.