Multilateration for Heathrow Terminal 5

Sensis has expanded its Multistatic Dependent Surveillance (MDS) system for surface surveillance at London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5. “Sensis worked with us to develop a solution that addressed all the surveillance needs under a highly challenging timeframe,” said Graeme Henderson, NATS Manager Surveillance.  “The expanded system was quickly operational and accepted with no interruption to the airport or existing ground surveillance system.” London Heathrow became the world’s first major airport operational with multilateration using Sensis MDS equipment in November 2002.  The system was expanded in 2005 to improve surface surveillance for the area surrounding a new Air Traffic Control tower.  This third expansion of Sensis MDS meets new surveillance challenges from the airport’s growth associated with Terminal 5. “The flexibility to easily expand an MDS system is a key part of the MDS architecture, providing customers with a future-proof investment,” said Tony Lo Brutto, vice president and general manager of Sensis Air Traffic Systems.  “At Heathrow, MDS is covering the entire airport and gate areas with 23 sensors – an example of MDS’ ability to achieve outstanding surveillance coverage with a highly efficient number of sensors for reduced life-cycle cost.”