How do you track a plane?

The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has raised the disturbing question of how a modern aircraft packed with communications equipment can apparently vanish without trace.

Tracking a plane involves the use of various technologies and systems that enable the monitoring and tracking of aircraft in real-time. The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in 2014 was a tragic event that presented significant challenges in tracking the aircraft. Despite extensive search efforts, the exact location of the aircraft and the reasons for its disappearance remain unknown.

It’s important to note that the disappearance of MH370 highlighted the limitations of existing tracking systems and led to discussions on enhancing global aircraft tracking capabilities. As a result, initiatives such as the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS) have been developed to improve aircraft tracking and reporting in the event of a similar incident in the future.

The investigation into the disappearance of MH370 is ongoing, and efforts to determine the exact circumstances and location of the aircraft continue.

Initial tracking methods used and subsequent investigative efforts

Primary Radar

Primary radar systems are ground-based radar stations that emit radio waves and detect the reflections from aircraft. Primary radar provides basic information such as the position, altitude, and speed of an aircraft. However, radar coverage is limited to certain areas, and once MH370 deviated from its planned flight path, it moved beyond the range of primary radar coverage.

Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR)

SSR is a radar system that works in conjunction with aircraft transponders. SSR radar systems send out interrogations to aircraft, and the transponders on the aircraft respond with information such as the aircraft’s identification code (Mode A) and altitude (Mode C). However, it is believed that the transponder on MH370 was deliberately disabled or experienced a failure, leading to a loss of SSR tracking information.

ACARS System

The Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) is a data link system used to send and receive messages between aircraft and ground stations. ACARS provides information on the aircraft’s systems, position reports, and other data. However, the ACARS system on MH370 ceased transmitting data after its last communication with the ground.

Inmarsat Satellite Communication

After the loss of primary radar and ACARS communication, investigative efforts focused on analyzing satellite communication data from the Inmarsat network. These satellite pings or “handshakes” between the aircraft and the satellite were used to estimate the aircraft’s possible locations. By analyzing the frequency shifts of these signals, investigators were able to establish possible flight paths and search areas.

The subsequent search operations involved analyzing the Inmarsat data, conducting extensive underwater searches, deploying specialized equipment such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and coordinating international search efforts. Despite a prolonged and massive search operation, no confirmed debris or wreckage from MH370 was found in the designated search areas.

It’s important to note that the exact circumstances and location of MH370’s disappearance remain unknown, and the investigation is ongoing. The challenges faced in tracking MH370 highlighted the need for improvements in global aircraft tracking and reporting systems, resulting in initiatives such as the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS) to enhance aircraft tracking capabilities in the future.

Tracking a plane involves the use of various technologies and systems that enable the monitoring and tracking of aircraft in real-time. Here are some of the common methods used for tracking planes:

1. Radar: Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) is a widely used technology for tracking planes. Ground-based radar systems emit radio waves that bounce off the aircraft and return to the radar antenna. By analyzing the time it takes for the waves to return, the radar system can determine the distance, direction, and altitude of the aircraft. This information is then displayed on the radar operator’s screen, allowing them to track the plane’s movement.
2. Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B): ADS-B is a surveillance technology that uses aircraft-mounted transponders to broadcast the aircraft’s position, altitude, speed, and other information. The ADS-B signals are received by ground-based receivers or other aircraft equipped with ADS-B In capability. This information is then processed and displayed on air traffic control screens or shared with other aircraft for situational awareness.
3. GPS Tracking: Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is commonly used in aviation for navigation and tracking purposes. Aircraft are equipped with GPS receivers that receive signals from a network of satellites to determine the aircraft’s precise location and altitude. This information can be transmitted to ground-based systems or displayed within the aircraft for tracking purposes.
4. Flight Data Recorders (FDR): Flight Data Recorders, commonly known as “black boxes,” are installed on aircraft to record various flight parameters such as altitude, airspeed, heading, and other sensor data. In the event of an incident or accident, the data from the FDR can be retrieved and analyzed to reconstruct the flight path and track the aircraft’s movements leading up to the event.
5. Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS): ACARS is a digital datalink system used for communication between aircraft and ground-based systems. It allows for the transmission of various types of messages, including position reports. ACARS can provide real-time aircraft tracking by periodically sending position updates to ground-based systems.
6. Satellite Tracking: Satellite-based tracking systems, such as the Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Contract (ADS-C), use satellites to track aircraft in areas where radar coverage is limited, such as over large bodies of water or remote regions. ADS-C enables aircraft to periodically report their position, altitude, and other data to a satellite network, which can then relay the information to ground-based systems.

It’s important to note that the specific tracking methods used may vary depending on the region, the type of aircraft, and the level of air traffic control infrastructure available. Multiple tracking systems are often used in combination to provide comprehensive and accurate aircraft tracking capabilities.

Conducting search and rescue operations in remote oceanic regions presents several challenges due to the vastness and harsh conditions of these areas. Here are some of the key challenges faced:

1. Limited Radar Coverage: Remote oceanic regions often have limited or no radar coverage. Radar systems primarily operate near coastlines or over land, making it difficult to track aircraft once they move beyond the reach of radar coverage. This lack of real-time radar information hampers the initial identification of the aircraft’s location.
2. Distance and Scale: Remote oceanic regions can cover vast areas, which makes search and rescue operations challenging. The search area for a missing aircraft can span thousands of square kilometers, requiring extensive resources, time, and coordination to effectively cover the area.
3. Inaccurate or Incomplete Data: In some cases, the available data on the aircraft’s last known position and flight path may be inaccurate or incomplete. This can be due to factors such as communication failures, technical issues, or deliberate actions. Inaccurate data can lead to search efforts being focused on the wrong areas, further complicating the search operation.
4. Harsh Weather and Sea Conditions: Remote oceanic regions are often characterized by challenging weather and sea conditions. Storms, high winds, rough seas, and limited visibility can impede search and rescue operations, making it difficult to conduct aerial searches, deploy search vessels, or use underwater search equipment effectively.
5. Deep Water and Underwater Terrain: Many remote oceanic regions have deep water and complex underwater terrain, including underwater mountains, trenches, and underwater canyons. Searching and surveying such areas require specialized equipment and expertise, adding complexity and time to the search operation.
6. Underwater Search Challenges: If an aircraft crashes into the ocean, locating and recovering wreckage from the seabed can be extremely challenging. The search area may have uneven and rugged terrain, and the wreckage may be dispersed over a wide area, making it difficult to detect and recover. Conducting underwater searches often involves using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), side-scan sonar, and other specialized equipment.
7. Logistics and Resources: Mounting search and rescue operations in remote oceanic regions requires significant logistical support and resources. These include deploying aircraft, ships, and submarines, as well as coordinating international efforts and maintaining communication and coordination between multiple organizations and countries involved in the search.

Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration between multiple agencies, advanced technology, and a well-coordinated response. Despite the difficulties, efforts are continuously being made to improve search and rescue capabilities in remote oceanic regions to enhance the chances of locating and assisting aircraft in distress.

By Aeropeep Team