The operational concept for GMC, uses a distributed array of high frequency radar heads, whose location is selected so there are no blind spots of coverage, for example due to undulations in the airfield topography. Two radar frequencies are available: 77 and 94GHz. Each radar head produces: foreground video (targets), background video and plot extracted target reports labeled with a unique target number. This data uses the RDS 1600 internal data formats.

The radar heads are small and low powered, so they can be installed at any convenient locations, that maintain the airfield safeguarding criteria.

A Millimetre wave radar provides very high positional accuracy (~ 0.2m in range). In addition, for similar coverage, the size of the range-azimuth cells of a distributed array varies much less than those of a single radar head, so accuracy is consistent over the whole airside zone.

All PE and SSR targets are subject to Runway Incursion and Boundary Monitor (RIBM) processing. For RIBM, the database comprises a set of regions (polygons) nested around geographic features holding points, building perimeters and apron perimeters within the system co-ordinate space. Each target is checked to identify within which RIBM regions it lies. Its position and direction trends are then checked against the parameters for the region. If an alarm condition arises, a message transmitted over the network, the target symbol is flashed and the audio alarm can be sounded, for acknowledgment by the controller.

The SMR solution also enables effective, automatic perimeter security monitoring:

• Exploits identical data to SMR.
• Exploits same SMR communications infrastructure.
• People are relative large targets at MMW frequencies.

The Perimeter Security Features are:

• Incursion monitoring along perimeter fence.
• Define and monitor critical areas within the airfield.
• Network solution provides coverage around terrain features.
• Protects both assets and sites, with low false-alarm rate.
• Low cost capability add-on, for wildlife nuisance reduction.

The automation of Runway Debris Monitoring means ATC can be made instantly aware of any risk to an inbound aircraft, whether due to Debris, birds, intruders or unauthorised personnel

Debris targets are flagged with an alert that is presented to the controller via the normal alert processing. Because the RDS 1600 supports a distributed architecture (using conventional telephony), Airfield Operations can also have a dedicated RDM display in the management office, or a mobile display can be provided in an airfield vehicle.