WP-6.1– ACAS brochure ACASA/WP6.1/015

May 2000 Version 2.0

NOTE

This document is designed for the training of people involved in the implementation and the use of the Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS). However, it is not, per se, designed for the complete training of controllers or pilots. The principal and essential technical and operational features of ACAS are introduced. For a deeper knowledge, the reader is advised to refer to ICAO and RTCA documentation listed in the bibliography section.

John Law ACAS Programme Manager

ACAS Programme

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This brochure has been translated and adapted, in the framework of the European Project: ACASA (ACAS Analysis), from a document produced by CENA (Centre d’Etudes de la Navigation Aérienne - France), entitled “ Livret d’information ACAS ”.

CENA and EUROCONTROL have contributed to the development of this document.

ACAS Programme

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I : GENERAL INTRODUCTION Þ Historical background Þ ACAS principles Þ Types of ACAS Þ TCAS II development Þ Towards a world-wide mandatory carriage CHAPTER II : TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF TCAS II Þ System components Þ Cockpit presentation CHAPTER III : ACAS IN THE OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT Þ Regulations Þ Operational use Þ Training Þ Examples of conflicts solved by TCAS CHAPTER IV : TARGET SURVEILLANCE Þ The surveillance function Þ Interference limiting CHAPTER V : THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE LOGIC Þ Principle Þ CAS functions CONCLUSION
Bibliography Abbreviations

4 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 10 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 16 17 21

ACAS Programme

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General introduction
Historical background
Over the years, air traffic has continued to increase. The developments of modern air traffic control systems have made it possible to cope