Qatar - MLAT systems

Busy air traffic requires constantly operating and accurate technological solutions. Planes should enter and leave airports at coordinated times and distances between each takeoff and landing. While the radar technology has been a staple of the sector for decades, today's world requires more efficient and reliable services. 

This is where the multilateration technology (MLAT) comes in. According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the MLAT system improves air traffic management in various sectors, whether it be traffic control or the enhancement of the surface movement awareness. First developed for detection in military use, it is now largely employed around the airports worldwide. 

Much more powerful than radars, MLAT spots aircrafts through the use of transponders. These, in turn, communicate information about the exact location of the aircraft to the ground stations. Interestingly, these transponders have been developed as an auxiliary for the modern airports, since the military makes use of MLAT for stealth purposes. 

Thanks to this very precise technology, airports are now able to guarantee access to more visitors over the year and have“busier” air spaces. Qatar, for one, is going to welcome the FIFA World Cup at the end of 2022. This means that the air traffic will be largely increased with all of the coming visitors. It is therefore crucial to keep the skies safe and avoid any potential airplane collisions. This is something the radars cannot guarantee. 

While still being very commonly employed in the aviation field, to monitor weather and ensure communication, radars are rather obsolete in comparison to the multilateral technology. The latter are much more responsive and reliable, which could prove paramount in a critical situation. Absolute safety must be maintained at all times. The MLAT that transfers positional information of an airplane within a single second, compared to the radar's bigger delay of about four times the multilateral's. And while it may seem like a minor difference, the outcomes of a longer reception time could be absolutely drastic. 

It is no surprise that Hamad International Airport, currently one of the world's best, has employed the MLAT suctions. Bayanat Engineering, responsible for equipping the air hub, has been the technology's provider. On their website, bayanatengineering.qa , you will be able to learn more about MLAT and other aviation, military, as well as oil and gas solutions. 

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