The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 9 May 2017 to collaborate on a national multi-static passive radar facility. The CSIR and ATNS will join forces to establish a technology base that will be utilised to establish solutions in partnership with local industry.

ATNS is the sole provider of air traffic management, communication, surveillance, navigation, and training and associated service within South Africa. ATNS manages 10% of the world’s airspace and strives to continuously provide a safe airspace, orderly, expeditious and efficient management of Air Traffic Management services.

The CSIR is one of the leading scientific research and technology development organisations in Africa. In partnership with national and international research and technology institutions, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technology innovation that contributes to the improvement of the quality of lives of all South Africans.

The CSIR has a research and development programme aimed at developing a national multi-static passive radar capability and intends to collaborate with ATNS to characterise the performance of the system.

Passive radar, also known as passive coherent location or commensal radar, is a class of radar that makes use of third party transmitters, for example public broadcasting services such as FM radio, to illuminate a platform of interest and accordingly locate and track the platform by processing the reflected signals of the platform. This technology has several advantages such as: cost-effectiveness; no radio frequency spectrum license or transmission required; target and tracking of non-cooperative aircraft or naval platforms; and it is suitable for both small and large airfields for improved airspace safety, and areas with congested spectrum

Areas of collaboration

The CSIR and ATNS want to foster relationships that enhance technology innovation and excellence within the air traffic management sector. ATNS will have the opportunity to provide guidance and leadership for the development of solutions that are suited for the civil aviation environment that will ultimately further promote safety in the African airspace.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Tendani Tsedu: CSIR Group Manager: Communications and Stakeholder Relations

Tel: +27 12 841 3417
Cell: +27 82 945 1980
Email: mtsedu@csir.co.za

Percy Morokane: ATNS External Communications Officer: Commercial Services

Tel: +27 11 607 1234
Cell: +27 71 445 9812
Email: PercyMO@atns.co.za