Spain’s national air navigation manager, Enaire, is modernising a critical piece of infrastructure for Catalonia’s airspace with the installation of a new, state-of-the-art 3D radar. The facility, located in the municipality of Begues, provides essential surveillance data for managing flights in and out of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport, one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs.
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In a statement released Wednesday, Enaire confirmed a major milestone in the project: the successful installation of the new radome, the large, spherical shell that protects the sensitive radar antennas from the elements. This development is a key step in a comprehensive upgrade scheduled for completion by this summer.
The Begues radar serves as a vital eye in the sky for the region. It transmits real-time data on the precise position of every aircraft to the air traffic control centre in nearby Gavà, where controllers manage the complex flow of air traffic for the airport and the surrounding airspace. “In the case of the Begues radar, it is an essential sensor for air traffic surveillance coverage in the northeast of the Peninsula,” Enaire explained.
The upgrade introduces advanced three-dimensional technology, a significant leap from its predecessor. Enaire describes the new system as a “great innovation” that substantially “improves surveillance.” This project, which is co-financed by European Union funds, is part of a nationwide strategy to modernise Spain’s air traffic control network. Similar 3D radar upgrades have recently been completed in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, reinforcing the system’s resilience and capacity across the country.
According to a report from La Vanguardia, work on the replacement began at the start of the year with the hoisting of the new antennas. The entire process of installation, adaptation, and configuration is expected to take approximately six months. To ensure uninterrupted surveillance and safety, Enaire has deployed a temporary mobile radar unit that will remain operational until the new system is fully commissioned.
Enaire anticipates the new Begues radar will officially enter service in June of this year. The investment underscores the continuous effort to maintain the highest standards of safety and efficiency in Catalonia’s busy skies, which are a crucial gateway for international tourism and commerce.
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