These are the details of the first radar station in the world powered by 100% solar energy
The General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has inaugurated innovative technology to monitor air traffic in the Atacama Desert.
Chile has taken an important step towards placing itself at the forefront of sustainable initiatives in the civil aviation industry, by inaugurating the first radar in the world powered by 100% solar energy.
In a ceremony headed by Armed Forces Undersecretary Galo Eidelstein, it was announced that the instrument is the first air traffic control radar in the world powered 100% by this type of energy. It is located on Barros Arana de Calama Hill, in the heart of the Atacama Desert, and will ensure the control and surveillance of air traffic in northern Chile.
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Developed by the French company Thales for the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC), the station, which is already in operation, is powered by 340 solar panels.
It also has advanced and efficient STAR NG and an RSM secondary radar. Combined, the radars provide all operational surveillance requirements for civil and military air traffic control. They can detect both slow- and fast-moving objects, such as helicopters, commercial aircraft and jets.
The radar station allows commercial flights to be monitored by the DGAC in Chile, providing greater security and reliability in its work.