Bulatsa modernizes its radar complexes

The multi-radar picture received from the En-route Radar Complexes (ERCs) and the Terminal Approach Radars (TARs) has a paramount role in the provision of air navigation service and aviation safety. In that regard, BULATSA undertook a modernization of its radars, whose exploitation life cycle expired in 2019 and 2020.

The investment project includes the supply of primary and secondary surveillance radars for the TARs at Burgas and Varna airports (commissioned on 02.07.2021 and 07.06.2022 respectively) and the supply of primary and secondary surveillance radars for a new ERC near the city of Shabla, the construction of which is pending.

The modernization of the radar complexes will significantly improve the surveillance service, by reducing the number of false targets and the risk of responses overlapping. The new radars will increase data reliability, provide aircraft barometric altitude information with a resolution of 25 feet (7.62 meters), and optimize the operation of the flight data processing system when using the information contained in the transmitted Flight Identification data.

The new primary TARs provide coverage in the approach areas of Burgas and Varna airports. With the purpose of providing double independent cooperative surveillance coverage in the approach areas while maintaining the same information refresh rate (4 sec.), it is also planned the installation of new secondary radars operating in mode S. The facilities enable the use of data from on-board the aircraft and continuity of service in the approach areas throughout the year while maintaining 3 NM separation.