HOUSTON – Air traffic controllers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston are the first in the nation to receive new Surface Movement Radars (SMR), the Federal Aviation Administration announced today. The technology is a key tool to help prevent runway incursions and close calls on airport surfaces.
The SMRs serve as the radar backbone for the Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model X (ASDE-X) system at IAH, according to federal officials. ASDE-X gives controllers the ability to track aircraft and vehicles on runways and taxiways in real time and provides alerts about potential conflicts on the airport surface. The new equipment replaces aging technology that dates back to the 1990s.
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The FAA said the SMR installation at IAH supports the agency’s broader efforts to modernize the National Airspace System. While the SMR rollout is separate from a separate announcement on replacing radar systems, the agency said the upgrade aligns with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy’s plan to build a brand new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system.
According to the FAA, there are plans to have the system installed at William P. Hobby airport.
FAA officials said the upgraded surface surveillance will improve situational awareness for controllers and reduce the risk of runway incursions and surface incidents, enhancing safety for passengers and airport personnel.