TCAS surveillance performance analysis

The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Version 7 surveillance requirements were developed in the mid-1990s with the use of limited radar data. Recently, a more comprehensive radar data source has become available, enabling a thorough analysis of TCAS surveillance performance throughout the National Airspace System (NAS). This paper uses a high fidelity simulation to characterize TCAS surveillance performance in six high traffic terminal environments. Transponder utilization due to TCAS and TCAS surveillance range are compared with the interference limiting design requirements. The effect of TCAS surveillance activity on Air Traffic Control (ATC) ground radar performance is also investigated. Results indicate that the surveillance algorithms perform as intended and that TCAS has a minimal impact on ground radar. Areas of concern are noted for future investigation.