What technology is replacing traditional radar for aircraft surveillance?

The technology replacing traditional radar for aircraft surveillance is Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). This system represents a significant advancement in aircraft tracking and surveillance, as it allows aircraft to determine their own position via satellite navigation and then periodically broadcast that information, along with other data, to air traffic control and other aircraft.

ADS-B enhances situational awareness for pilots and air traffic controllers by providing accurate, real-time information about an aircraft's location, speed, and direction. Unlike traditional radar systems, which rely on ground-based installations to detect aircraft, ADS-B is a satellite-based technology that increases coverage, especially in remote or oceanic regions. This change aligns with the industry's move towards NextGen air traffic management systems to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in air travel.

While GPS Navigation Systems and Satellite Tracking Systems provide valuable information, they do not replace radar in the traditional sense for air traffic surveillance but rather complement existing systems. Ground-based radar, on the other hand, is the traditional technology that ADS-B is intended to augment or replace in many operational scenarios.