Airservices Australia's temporary radar for Cairns to enter service

Airservices Australia has announced its transportable radar that has been installed at Machans Beach in Far North Queensland will become operational from tomorrow (September 28).

The transportable radar will be used to provide air traffic surveillance in the region while the permanent terminal area radar (TAR) at Redden Creek is upgraded.

The transportable radar has been installed at Machans Beach to ensure that Cairns Airport can continue to service its international and domestic air traffic safely and efficiently while the upgrade is carried out.

The upgrade, which will cost $5.5 million, is part of a $90 million nationwide infrastructure modernisation program being carried out by Airservices to enhance safet and efficiency of air traffic in Australian airspace.

The transportable radar comprises of a 10 metre tower with co-mounted primary and secondary radar heads on top along with a lightning protection pole to a total height of 18 metres from the ground.

It has undergone testing to stringent standards to ensure provision of uninterrupted service to air traffic control. Other facilities include an equipment shelter, a small demountable office and power supply equipment.

The commissioning of the transportable radar clears the way for the upgrade of the TAR at Redden Creek, which is scheduled to start on October 3 and be completed by March 2012.

The new permanent radar will be housed in a dome which will give it protection from the weather and high wind events, thereby extending its life expectancy.

Once the upgrade at Redden Creek has been carried out, the transportable radar at Machans Beach will be decommissioned, and together with all the buildings and equipment, removed from the site and transported to the next destination – Perth.