Travis upgrades to digital radar system

  • Published
  • By 60th Communications Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In a culmination of efforts to improve Travis' aircraft sight picture, the 60th Communications Squadron brought a new radar facility online here Feb 10. 

Working together with off-site contractors they successfully completed construction of the new Digital Airport Surveillance Radar. 

The DASR is a terminal Air Traffic Control radar system that detects aircraft position and weather conditions in the vicinity of civilian and military airfields. 

The major purpose of the construction of the DASR was to replace the existing antiquated AN/GPN-20 radar system which has been in use at Travis since 1984. 

"The replacement of this over 20 year old radar system should significantly improve reliability, provide additional weather data, reduce maintenance cost, improve performance and provide digital data to new digital automation systems for presentation on Air Traffic Control displays," said Lt. Col. Robert Brisson, 60th Operations Support Squadron commander. 

The digital technology incorporated into the DASR system allows the user to eliminate the existing digitizer system that had become a requirement in 2006 to sustain radar ATC in Travis' new Radar Approach Control facility. The new Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System within the RAPCON required the aircraft track data to be converted from analog to digital format in order to be viewed on the ATC displays. 

According to Master Sgt. Craig Lewis, 60th Communications Squadron, Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems Branch Chief, The new DASR system has the technology and system power to process up to 700 aircraft target tracks at once and can provide that data directly to the RAPCON, eliminating any delays due to additional data conversions. 

This level of radar efficiency is something that is invaluable to users, and should enhance Travis' ATC Operations well into the 21st century. 

Additionally, the new system will have a positive impact on controller training that provides the DoD proficient tower/radar approach controllers for worldwide deployment in support of the national interest, said Chief Master Sgt. Johnny Turner, 60th OSS Air Traffic Operations superintendant. 

"The DASR will allow Travis to better meet the national standards for air traffic services established by the Federal Aviation Administration - which are key here, because 70 percent of our traffic is civilian. Not only will this radar allow us to better service Travis, but it will also give controllers better radar coverage to the six other airports that we provide approach control service." 

"The ribbon-cutting ceremony completed on February 10th stood as a culmination of the tireless planning and labor from all parties involved, including Raytheon, South Bay Construction, the 853 Electronic Systems Group, and of course Team Travis," said Maj. Robert Sylvester, 60th CS commander. "The efforts of this team brought this much anticipated new DASR to Travis." 

The completion of the new radar system is an example of the constant evolution, teamwork, and dedication to excellence that makes Travis America's first choice in mobility.