Module 4.

Methods, systems and devices for

revealing and measurement of aircraft co-
ordinates. Struggle against hindrances. Mono-
pulse radar-location.
Topic 4.5. Secondary radar-location. Principles
and construction methods of secondary radars.
Mono-pulse secondary radars.
Lecture 4.5.4.
SSR
Condor series
Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar
(MSSR) systems (United Kingdom),

Identification friend-or-foe (IFF) and secondary

surveillance radar (SSR) systems

Type
Family of ground-based MSSR systems.
Description
Raytheon System's Condor MSSR interrogators are
solid-state, digital, surveillance systems designed to
meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Annex 10 standards and are billed as providing 'high-
probability' of detection ('even in severe multipath and
reflection environments') with 'high' reliability. The
equipments incorporate very large scale integration
chips and microprocessors and deliver 'full'
transmission, reception, processing and control
capabilities within a single cabinet, with the whole
constituting a single interrogator channel.
Typically, systems are supplied in a dual-channel
configuration to maximize system availability.
Continuous azimuth data is distributed between
both channels to facilitate 'fast and seamless'
changeover and automatic reconfiguration
provides continuity of service without manual
intervention. All generated data needed to
maintain the target database is passed from the
operating to the standby channel so that target
reports can be generated 'immediately', thereby
minimizing loss of data in the event of channel
change.
Adaptive reflection processing provides 'superior' false
target suppression without the undesirable side effects
associated with azimuth power programming and
Improved Interrogator Side Lobe Suppression (IISLS).
Built-in test equipment provides continuous monitoring
of operational performance and 'extensive' fault
detection, with performance statistics and fault
diagnosis data being reported both locally (to a local
maintenance terminal) and to a remote system control
terminal. The known details of two specific Condor
MSSR configurations are as follows:
Key contents include
- Radar Systems
- Fire-control
- Surveillance
- Navigation
- Missile control air defense
- IFF and secondary surveillance
-Land-based, airborne and naval Military air traffic
control
- Electronic Warfare Systems
- ELINT
- COMINT
- ECM
- Defensive Aids Suites (DAS)
Different sections provide in-depth detail covering
- Airborne Active And Passive Countermeasures Systems
And Defensive Aids Suites (Das)
- Airborne Fire-Control Radars
- Airborne Signals Intelligence (Sigint), Electronic Support
And Threat Warning Systems
- Airborne Surveillance, Maritime Patrol And Navigation
Radars
- Analysis
- Battlefield, Missile Control And Ground Surveillance
Radar Systems
- Contractors
- Electronic Warfare Systems
- Glossary
- Identification Friend-Or-Foe (Iff) And Secondary
Surveillance Radar (Ssr) Systems
- Land-Based Active And Passive Countermeasures
Systems And Defensive Aids Suites (Das)
- Land-Based Air Defence Radars
- Land-Based Signals Intelligence (Sigint), Electronic
Support And Threat Warning Systems
- Military Air Traffic Control (Atc), Instrumentation And
Ranging Radars
- Naval Active And Passive Countermeasures Systems
And Defensive Aids Suites (Das)
- Naval Fire-Control Radars
- Naval Signals Intelligence (Sigint), Electronic
Support And Threat-Warning Systems
- Naval/Coastal Surveillance And Navigation
Radars
- Radar And Electronic Warfare Simulation And
Training Systems
- World Submarine Radar/Electronic Warfare Fits
- World Surface Ship Electronic Warfare Fits
- World Surface Ship Radar Fits
Condor 2
SPECIFICATIONS OF THE CONDOR MKII
Antenna Gain: 27 dBi
Horizontal beamwidth 3 dB: 2.45 +/- 0.25 degrees
Horizontal sidelobes: -26 dB below peak
Roll-off rate (underside): 1.9 dB/degree at -6 degrees point
High angle cut-off: -4 dBi at +65 degrees
Wind survival 40 mm radical ice: 200 km/hr
Temperature: -30 degrees Celsius to +70 degrees Celsius
Transmitter Frequency: 1,030 +/- 0.01 MHz
Output power: 32 dBW
Duty cycle: Up to 2%, optional 6%
Operating modes: 1, 2, 3/A, B, C, D(S and 4 as options)
Suppression: Interrogator Side Lobe Suppression (ISLS)
(Improved ISLS (IISLS) option)
Log Receivers
Frequency: 1,090 +/- 0.2 MHz
Sensitivity: -90 dBm tangential
Bandwidth (3 dB): 9 MHz
Dynamic range: -16 to -86 dBm
Suppression: Receiver Side Lobe Suppression (RSLS)

Extractors/Plot Processor
Multibus II: 80486 processors
VLSI technology: Monopulse Azimuth Range Code
Assembler
Target load: Average 600/scan (120/s) (900/scan
option) Peak 350/s
Standby readiness: Software coupled (hardware
option)
Extractors/Plot Processor
Video clock I/P: 16 MHz
Decode: Up to 4 overlapping replies
Antenna check: Built-in antenna HPD plotter
Built-in monopulse consistency check:
Continuous
Reflection suppression: Fixed and dynamic files
Output formats available: Radar Data Interface
Format (RDIF), Asterix
Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR)
MSSR is a key component of air traffic surveillance
infrastructure providing, as a minimum, the position,
track, altitude and identity of co-operating aircraft.

With a long tradition of technological development

stretching back to the very earliest SSR applications,
Raytheon MSSR systems continue to offer the highest
probability of detection (Pd), even in severe multipath
and reflection environments, together with low false
target rate and high operational availability.
Comprising field-proven components
configured in a redundant and fault-
tolerant architecture, Raytheon MSSR
systems offer sufficient target capacity to
accommodate predicted volumes of traffic
growth. Additionally, the extensive
application of ‘gate array’ technology
makes Raytheon MSSR systems easy to
configure and maintain.
Condor Series 300
The Condor Series 300 MSSR is a cost-effective system, modular by design
and consequently configurable (and reconfigurable in the field) to meet any,
or all, MSSR, Mode S and IFF Mode 4 requirements.

In addition to conventional SSR, Series 300 systems output Mode S data to

support Elementary and Enhanced Surveillance applications. Mode S
decoding and processing is conducted in parallel with conventional SSR
processing to ensure proven processes are not compromised and that each
function can be optimised individually. Compatible with ICAO Level 2
transponders with Mode S Surveillance Identifier (SI) capability, Series 300
Mode S systems offer mixed, and fully configurable, mode interlace patterns
providing concurrent detection of Mode S, MSSR and, where appropriate, IFF
Mode 4.

To ensure IFF Mode 4 interrogations do not interrupt those in other modes,

Series 300 interrogators use Super mode to interlace Mode 4 with Modes 1,
2, 3/A and C in a single interrogation period.
Condor European Mode S ( EMS )
Developed specifically to meet EUROCONTROL requirements for full Mode S
functionality in crowded European airspace, the Condor EMS MSSR
interrogator is a high specification (ICAO Level 5), high performance Mode S
system with full Extended Length Message (ELM) uplink and downlink
capacity and a proven ground station network (interrogator clustering)
capability.

Target tracking responsibility within an interrogator cluster is determined by a

coverage maps in the Surveillance Control Function (SCF). Raytheon’s SCF
solution is integrated into the Condor EMS interrogator, which enhances
reliability, eliminates need for external communications processors and
satisfies high integrity requirements for data distribution.

Condor EMS systems are operational in clustered networks in Germany and

The Netherlands, and operating as independent systems in Hungary,
Switzerland and the UK.
Condor European Mode S ( EMS )
Developed specifically to meet EUROCONTROL requirements for full Mode S
functionality in crowded European airspace, the Condor EMS MSSR
interrogator is a high specification (ICAO Level 5), high performance Mode S
system with full Extended Length Message (ELM) uplink and downlink
capacity and a proven ground station network (interrogator clustering)
capability.

Target tracking responsibility within an interrogator cluster is determined by a

coverage maps in the Surveillance Control Function (SCF). Raytheon’s SCF
solution is integrated into the Condor EMS interrogator, which enhances
reliability, eliminates need for external communications processors and
satisfies high integrity requirements for data distribution.

Condor EMS systems are operational in clustered networks in Germany and

The Netherlands, and operating as independent systems in Hungary,
Switzerland and the UK.
Condor MSSR Antennas
Raytheon MSSR antennas are designed for performance, endurance and
reliability.

The Condor Large Vertical Aperture (LVA) Antenna is suitable for co-mounted
or standalone MSSR/IFF applications. Designed to operate in all climatic
conditions without a radome, its rigid construction enables it to withstand
loads and forces imposed by high winds – up to 161 km/hr operational and
200 km/hr survival – and significant ice coatings. Each of 35 vertical radiating
columns has 12 dipoles that are phase and amplitude controlled to maximise
target illumination and minimise ground illumination. Isolated splitters within
the distribution network ensure that radiating columns are less vulnerable to
change in performance because of heavy rain or icing, rendering the antenna
fail-soft.

Designed for applications where a larger antenna is unsuitable, the Raytheon

Flat Plate Antenna is lightweight, compact and yet rugged in construction.
Weighing only 50 kg and with a length of only 4.3 m, the Flat Plate Antenna
provides monopulse operation for MSSR, Mode S and IFF Mode 4
applications, both co-mounted and standalone.
SIR - SECONDARY SURVEILLANCE
RADAR FAMILY
FAMILY TREE
• Monopulse SSR: SIR-M
• Mode-S SSR: S

The SELEX Sistemi Integrati Secondary Surveillance

Radar family is a true modular system fully compliant
with ICAO recommendations.

SIR is normally a dual-channel system with automatic

changeover.

Single channel configurations are also available.

Each SSR channel consists of a transmitter, a receiver
and a programmable extractor/controller.
The very power ful processing platform is based on
programmed assemblies, which also provide all control
signals.

Fur thermore, it provides all programmable functions of

the transmitter and receiver units.

The antenna used normally in conjunction with SIR SSR

is the ALE-9 open array antenna, specially developed
for monopulse use. It provides high directional proper
ties and ver tical aper ture, as recommended by ICAO
also for the Enhanced Mode-S.
SIR is available in the basic monopulse version,
the SIR-M, and in the full Mode-S version, the
SIR-S. The system is designed so that the total
cost of expansion is born only by the added
units.

SIR-M
The basic monopulse configuration is based on a
programmable transmitter and a 3 channel
receiver which uses logarithmic IF-amplifiers.
MONOPULSE ADVANTAGES
The main purpose of the monopulse technique is to
obtain precise azimuthal information from a single
transponder reply. The technique uses sum and
dif ference beam patterns, inclusive of phase
information, to obtain the correct bearing (of f-
boresight angle) of the target with respect to the actual
positionof the sum beam. A very precise plot position is
thus obtained. Fur thermore, the pulse repetition
frequency of the SSR may be reduced, thus minimizing
RF pollution.
Another advantage of the monopulse technique is the
inherent capability to distinguish aircraft in a garbled
echo and to reduce the effect of auto-garbling when
multiple receiver paths occur.

SIR-S
The SIR-M configuration may be upgraded to full Mode-S
configuration, the SIR-S. This is obtained by adding
modules to the transmitter and by activating proper
software items relevant to Mode-S typical functions.
To reach full capabilities, a dedicated enhanced Mode-S
station is now also available, for use in conjunction with
the SIR-S.
ADVANTAGES OF MODE-S
The Mode-S eliminates or reduces to a great
extent all the inconveniences until now
associated with Secondary Radars such as
garbling, fruit and over interrogation.
The Mode-S interrogation increases the
performance of secondary radars in terms of
enhanced Surveillance Function by introducing
the following capabilities:
• All-Call acquisition
• Lockout
• Selective addressing with unique aircraft
identification code
• Error detection and correction
• Adaptive interrogation
• Single surveillance interrogation and
reply per antenna scan
Furthermore, the Mode-S supports station
digital data exchange between ground and
airborne computers, implementing one of the
ATN (Aeronautical Telecomunication Network)
air/ground sub-networks.

SIR-S equipment main features

Use of state-of-the-ar t technology:
• Latest generation of RF Power Transistors
• Very Large Scale Integration (SMD technique)
• Latest generation processors and architectures
Full redundancy of critical items:
• Two Transmitter Units
• Two Receiver Units
• Two Processor Units
Cross-coupled configuration:
• Hot/Stand by Transmitter and Receiver
with Processor Units
Fault-tolerance:
• Processor Unit in Master-Slave
configuration
EXTENDED PERFORMANCE MONITORING
based on:
• Processing of Replies from the Test
Transponder
• Generation of Replies at RF level with
TTG circuitry
• On-line receiver logarithmic
characteristic calibration
• Extensive on-line BITE for LRU fault
detection
Improved azimuth monopulse estimation
Two algorithms are used for the azimuth angle
estimation:
• Amplitude and sign processing (ASP)
• Dot Product Processing (DPP)
A selection logic activates the DPP algorithm for
replies very close to the boresight in order to
minimize the estimate error.
Mode-4 compatibility
Suitable hardware inter face for external
cryptographicdevice is available. Dedicated
extraction logic allow the extraction of friend-
foe-unknown information

Full Mode-S operation

SIR-S equipment fully complies with ICAO latest
Mode-S requirements and with the Eurocontrol
EMS (EuropeanMode-S Station) requirements.
SIR EQUIPMENT CHARACTERISTICS TRANSMITTER
UNIT
Technology:
• Full Solid State and plug-in devices
Configuration:
• Two independent transmitting chains (Sum, Omni) in
the SIR-S version
• Single chain with automatic RF switch in the SIR-M
version
TX frequency:
• 1030 MHz ± 0.01 MHz ( SIR- S)
Output power:
• > 62 dBm (32 dBW)
ATC & MIL modes:
• Fully suppor ted (mode 4 included)
TX monitoring logic:
• BITE and status repor ting
• Malfunction detection at LRU level
• Protection Circuits
• Shor t and open circuit
• Over-voltage from P.S. faults
• Excess duty cycle and temperature on heat sink

Receiver unit:
Technology:
• Full Solid State and plug-in devices
Configuration:
• Three amplitude and phase matched LOG channels
Signal Output characteristics:
• SUM, DIFF and OMNI channels: 2 identical
video outputs for the two extractors
• Phase detector channel: 2 identical outputs for
the two extractors

RX control logic:
• Autotest procedure for each channel
• Test Target Generator (RF Signal)
RX monitoring logic:
• BITE and Status Repor ting
• Malfunction Detection at LRU level
• Protection Circuits
• Over-voltage from P.S. faults
• Input inter ference protection

Dynamic range:
• 90 dB

Noise figure:
• <3.6 dB
PROCESSING UNIT
It is a multiprocessor system based on a Power PC
hardware platform, which can be easily upgraded as
capacity demands growth.
Due to its modular design, technological enhancements
can be incorporated in the HW platform without
impact on the architecture and the SW applications.
The receiver inter face consists of dedicated boards
per forming all the necessary operations to process the
received replies using 4 A/D conver ters (Sum, Diff,
Omni and Sin) with 10 bit word and 20 MHz sampling
rate.
All the boards inter face to each other by a VME Bus.
PROCESSOR MAIN FUNCTIONS
Uplink control:
• Sectorial control of Tx power
• Pulse to pulse modulation
• PRF selection
• Interlace management
• Interrogation staggering
• Interrogation modes management
• Frame management (SIR-S version)
Downlink Control:

• Sensitivity time control (STC) and range

azimuth gated STC
• Adaptive thresholds for multipath rejection
Pulse & Reply Processing:
• Rx Output Processing
• Pulse Detection
• Reply Processing for modes 1,2,3/A, B, C, D, 4
• Reply Processing for Mode-S (SIR-S version)
Plot Extraction:
• Correlation among replies (ATC, MIL and Mode-S)
received during the "dwell time" and construction of
plots (for A/C targets) and target repor ts (for Mode-S
targets)

Channel Management:
It includes all the functionalities necessary to use the
RF channel, in order to accomplish the surveillance and
communication functions of the radar.
Timing of the channel activities is per formed in order
to accomplish correct interrogation and accurate
management of the relevant replies.
Ancillary Functions:
• BIT (Built-In-Test)
• System Communication (serial line/LAN
ETHERNET TCP-IP/X.25)
• Intercomputer (Master-Slave
management/processing
synchronization/Data Base alignment)
MODE-S OPERATIONAL STATION
SIR-S operational capabilities are fully
exploited by inser ting the equipment in
the SELEX Sistemi Integrati Mode-S
Operational Station, developed following a
wide research, experimental activities and
field experience through operational use.
The station has been designed to all
performance and functional characteristics
specified by Eurocontrol for use
in the European Airspace.

The items in the station carry out the

following tasks in addition to the above
mentioned SIR-S function:
Radar data filtering and tracking:

Radar data are processed in order to

estimate the current and predict the future
speed and position of the aircraft,
reducing measurement errors. Predicted
positions in scan i are used for selective
interrogations in scan i + 1.
Surveillance Coordination:
Mode-S interrogations per formed by associated
stations are coordinated and handover is
managed according to sensor coverage maps.
Data Link:
Enhanced surveillance services are provided to
local and remote users through the Mode-S
communication link managed by the station.
Supervision:
Evaluation of different operative functions
control equipment status and diagnostic
facilities.
ASR-E
Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar

The modular MSSR 2000 I system (here a civil variant)

The standard MSSR interrogator for the ASR-E
system is the MSSR 2000 I. The Interrogator
MSSR 2000 I is of modular design. The system
fulfills all requirements for a European Mode S
Station for elementary surveillance as well as for
enhanced surveillance, ground/air data link
including de-centralized control in a cluster
application.
The Interrogator MSSR 2000 I includes
reasonable growth capability to allow the
incorporation of new modes or features in the
future as a result of its modern technology.
 MSSR 2000 I interrogator including a
combiner unit with a crypto computer
The MSSR 2000 I operates in the following
modes which conform to ICAO Annex 10
and STANAG 4193 part 1 - 4 requirements:
- Mode 1,2,3/A,C,4
- Mode S (level 4)
- Mode A/C/S All-Call
- Mode A/C only All-Call
- Mode 1,2,3/A,C mode interlace
- Supermode
The MSSR 2000 I can interrogate in
„interlace modus”, (sequences of different
modes freely programmable by the user
through menu guided input)e.g. M1:M1 or
A:A:C or any other desired sequence. The
design of the MSSR 2000 I includes the
capability to be upgraded to the new
military Mode 5.
Specifications
frequency: 1030 / 1090 megahertzes
pulse repetition time (PRT):
pulse repetition frequency (PRF):
pulsewidth (PW):
receive time:
dead time:
peak power: up to 2 kilowatts
average power:
displayed range:
range resolution:
beamwidth:
hits per scan:
antenna rotation:
END.