What is the role of Independent Secondary Surveillance Radar (ISSR)?

The Independent Secondary Surveillance Radar (ISSR) plays a crucial role in air traffic management by providing accurate range and azimuth positioning for transponder-equipped aircraft. It operates by relying on radar transponders installed in aircraft that respond to radar signals by sending back their positional information. This information includes the aircraft's identification, altitude, and speed, which is essential for air traffic controllers to ensure safe separation and efficient routing of aircraft in the skies.

The ISSR enhances situational awareness in busy airspace and contributes to the overall efficiency of air traffic operations. Its ability to provide precise location data improves safety by allowing for more effective management of flight paths, especially in crowded environments.

Monitoring weather conditions is not the primary function of ISSR; rather, weather radar systems are designed for that purpose. Additionally, while ground movement control is vital for airport operations, this is typically managed by surface movement radar or ground control systems. Finally, while ISSR may improve upon some functionalities offered by traditional radar, it does not entirely replace them; instead, it complements existing systems to enhance overall air traffic management capabilities.