LHR Microwave Landing System

[Garry Russell]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7961501.stm

I wonder if they can heat up the sausages whilst they're about it :think: :roll:


Garry

[VEGAS]

Seems like a good idea. Perhaps it just 'pinged' into their heads. :doho:

[Garry Russell]

Should be esy to use

If they find they keep landing short , just give it an extra ten seconds :roll:

Garry

[Chris Trott]

This system is nothing new. Unfortunately, because of the complexity of the system (on the aircraft end) and the cost, it's never really caught on. In the US, there were several dozen MLS systems installed at various Military and Civilian airports. In the last 5 years, most of those systems have been disabled. The only ones remaining are those at the Space Shuttle Landing and Alternate sites, including the only civilian one at the Atlantic City, NJ airport. The system is much better than ILS, but it can't be received by a standard VOR/ILS receiver, requiring an additional radio to be installed just for MLS.

While I think that the MLS will be helpful at Heathrow, I don't think it'll catch on faster than the new LPV (Lateral Precision Vertical) approaches being pioneered in the US using GPS and WAAS which is allowing for ILS CAT I precision with a GPS and decision heights of 200 feet. It will not replace the CAT II / III capabilities of the ILS or MLS, but it will allow for many more airports to have that kind of precision guidance and for airports which don't have a need for CAT II or III capabilities to do away with the expensive ILS systems.

[Sl4yer]

My airband book from 20-odd years ago describes MLS as the next big thing! I thought it was being abandoned, in favour (as CT said) of GPS based systems.

James

[Garry Russell]

I don't think they re claiming it to be a new typw of system.......only new to LHR to improve landing numbers

That how I read it :think:

Garry

[Chris Sykes]

I must ask this, Is microwaving aircraft with people inside a good idea? :fart:

[Garry Russell]

Nice one Chris

Garry

[Chris Sykes]

I spose at least the pilots know when they are on the GS... Their faces start to get burnt! Hmm maybe we shall soon see Pilots looking like.... :000: