Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Comparison and Contrast to Radar Systems in Support of Air Traffic Control

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is part of the F.A.A. next gen new technology that is designed to assist air traffic controllers in providing more accurate aircraft location to assist in better aircraft separation. "ADS-B functions with satellite rather than radar technology to more accurately observe and track air traffic. Aircraft equipped with an ADS-B Out transmitter send their position, altitude, heading, ground speed, vertical speed, call sign, and International Civil Aviation Organization identifier to a network of ground stations that relays the information to air traffic control displays. Pilots of aircraft equipped with a receiver for optional ADS-B In also receive traffic information and can experience several other benefits. Aircraft operating in most controlled U.S. airspace must be equipped for ADS-B Out by January 1, 2020" (New Technology, 2020).

"Compared to radar, which was authorized for its first civilian use in 1947, ADS-B gives controllers a more accurate picture of all the aircraft in their airspace and works where radar often doesn't — even in remote or mountainous areas. With a better view of the traffic they are managing, controllers can eliminate wasted space between aircraft, which increases airspace capacity and decreases the need for holding patterns"(NextGen-FAQ,2020). Radar is an outdated technology. I think it should definitely remain as a backup for the ADS-B, yet the ADS-B provides a much more accurate location for the air traffic controller, which in turns provides a safer airspace.  

References 

“NextGen – FAQs.” Accessed January 14, 2020. https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/faqs/#q21.

“New Technology.” Accessed January 14, 2020. https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/how_nextgen_works/new_technology/.