The FAA has selected Sensis Corp.’s Low Cost Ground Surveillance (LCGS) for evaluation as part of its LCGS Pilot Program.

LCGS is an FAA initiative to reduce runway incursions at small- and medium-size airports by providing air traffic controllers with basic ground surveillance of runways and taxiways.

Under the program, the FAA has awarded contracts to several companies to demonstrate their proposed solutions at one airport. Based on the results of these demonstrations, the FAA may select one or more systems for deployment and operation at additional airports in the National Airspace System (NAS). Sensis will deploy its initial system at Long Beach Airport in Calif.

Sensis is currently deploying the FAA’s Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model X (ASDE-X) runway safety program to 35 airports, 19 of which are operational in the NAS and providing coverage and aircraft identification to air traffic controllers.

Sensis’ LCGS solution leverages the ASDE-X technology by using the same Surface Movement Radar Improved (SMRi) sensor and the same Air Traffic Control Display. Additionally, the Sensis LCGS solution features the Air Traffic Control Display which has been certified to meet the National Air Traffic Controllers Association-approved FAA visual specification and is currently in operation at all ASDE-X airports. Because the Sensis LCGS architecture is based on the FAA ASDE-X configuration, it supports the integration of additional sensors, including multilateration, ADS-B and terminal radar.

In addition to the ASDE-X program, Sensis was recently chosen by the FAA to deploy Runway Status Lights (RWSL) to 22 airports. RWSL is a system of red lights embedded in the pavement of runways and taxiways that automatically warns pilots if it is unsafe to cross or enter a runway, or if a runway is unsafe for departure.

For more information: FAA.gov or Sensis.com.