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AGIVIS 2000 Transmissometer IRVR System Technical Description

AGIVIS 2000 Transmissometer IRVR System Technical Description

AGIVIS 2000 Transmissometer IRVR System Technical Description

Product catalog summary
Introduction
The AGIVIS 2000 system provides Instrumented Runway Visual Range (IRVR) readings, crucial for airport operations, by measuring the distance a pilot can see runway markings or lights. Developed with the UK Met Office and CAA, it complies with ICAO and WMO standards and is suitable for airports up to CAT III.
Principle of Operation
The system measures the atmospheric extinction coefficient, affecting light transmission due to scattering and absorption. It uses Koschmieder’s Law for daylight and Allard’s Law for night visibility, calculating IRVR values every 60 seconds.
Transmissometer Installation
IRVR calculations use a rolling 10-minute mean of the extinction coefficient. The AGIVIS 2000 is highly accurate and considered the 'gold standard' for RVR measurement.
Field Site Equipment
Typically, two or three field sites are used, each with a transmitter and reflector. The equipment is weatherproof and includes heaters to prevent icing.
Rack Equipment
IRVR data is reported to a rack in the ATC tower, which includes modems and system inputs. The Control and Recording Unit (CRU) interfaces with the system, displaying IRVR data and storing records.
IRVR Displays
Displays feature touch screens with self-test routines, showing data in color-coded bands with trends and runway selection. Alarms are triggered when thresholds are crossed.
Standards
AGIVIS 2000 complies with international standards, including ICAO Annex 3 and various ICAO and WMO documents. It also references national standards like the UK CAA CAP 746 and CAP 670.
Installation and Support
AGI offers comprehensive installation services, training, and post-installation support globally. Systems come with a two-year warranty.
Specifications
  • AGIVIS 2000 System: Accuracy ranges from ±10m to ±10% depending on distance. EMC compliance is ensured.
  • Field Sites: Operate from -30°C to +35°C with 100% humidity. Power requirements are 230V ±34.5V.
  • Rack Equipment: Operates from 0°C to +30°C with 95% humidity. Power requirements are the same as field sites.
  • IRVR Displays: Operate from -10°C to +40°C with 95% humidity. Power requirements are 12V DC, with specific resolution and brightness standards.
Continuous Improvement
AGI is committed to continuous product improvement and open to discussing specific requirements not covered in the technical description.
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Catalog excerpts

AGIVIS 2000 Transmissometer IRVR System Technical Description-1

Aeronautical & General Instruments Limited Fleets Point Willis Way Poole Dorset BH153SS England Tel: 01202 685661

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AGIVIS 2000 Transmissometer IRVR System Technical Description-2

Introduction Runway Visual Range (RVR) is defined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as: “The distance over which the pilot of an aircraft on the centreline of a runway can see the runway surface markings or the lights delineating the runway or identifying its centre line.” Because it is not possible to measure RVR directly, an assessment is made, either by a human observer or using an automated system to provide what is called instrumented runway visual range, IRVR. ...

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AGIVIS 2000 Transmissometer IRVR System Technical Description-3

AGIVIS 2000 _________________________________________________________________ The AGIVIS 2000 system uses a reflecting transmissometer, which means that the light beam is returned by a reflector back to the initial field site. This serves to double the baseline length along which the measurements are taken, increasing the system accuracy. The AGIVIS 2000 baseline length is 20m. The system self-­‐corrects to eliminate common causes of inaccuracy including ambient light, internal reflections, light source variation,...

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AGIVIS 2000 Transmissometer IRVR System Technical Description-4

AGIVIS 2000 _________________________________________________________________ IRVR calculations are usually carried out using a rolling 10 minute mean of extinction coefficient. However, the system is capable of recognising what is called a ‘marked discontinuity’ in visibility. This is defined by the WMO as: “…an abrupt and sustained change in runway visual range, lasting at least 2 minutes, which reaches or passes through criteria for the issuance of SPECI reports…” If a marked continuity is detected the...

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AGIVIS 2000 Transmissometer IRVR System Technical Description-5

FILTER CLAMP FILTER FILTER TRAY CUT-AWAY TO SHOW FILTER & CLAMP FIXING PLATE PART CONCRETE BASE CABLE DUCTING Reflector Field Site Rack Equipment IRVR data from each field site is reported to other system equipment, usually mounted in a 19” rack positioned in the ATC tower. The necessary data links can be wired, fibre optic or wireless. The receiving modems and other system inputs are all mounted on the same rack. Field site IRVR data is fed to the disseminator, which acts as an internal communication node for the...

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AGIVIS 2000 Transmissometer IRVR System Technical Description-6

AGIVIS 2000 _________________________________________________________________ Also mounted in the rack is the Control and Recording Unit (CRU). This provides the interface to the system via a command console. Through this console raw IRVR data may be viewed, as well as the health and status of the system. It is also used to configure the system. The CRU also has an IRVR display with a similar layout as that provided to ATC personnel. It also stores data records internally, as well as...

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AGIVIS 2000 Transmissometer IRVR System Technical Description-7

AGIVIS 2000 _________________________________________________________________ The system also complies with a number of national standards issued locally by countries worldwide, including: UK CAA CAP 746 (Meteorological Observations at Aerodromes) UK CAA CAP 670 (Air Traffic Services Safety Requirements) Installation and Support AGI offers a full installation service, which includes comprehensive site acceptance testing to demonstrate full functionality of the system. Factory-­‐based and on-­‐site training is available...

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AGIVIS 2000 Transmissometer IRVR System Technical Description-8

AGIVIS 2000 _________________________________________________________________ IRVR Displays Operating Temperature Relative Humidity Power Requirements -­‐10°C to +40°C 95% non-­‐condensing 12V DC (an in-­‐line 90V to 264V, 50Hz to 60Hz AC PSU can be supplied) AGI is dedicated to the continuous improvement of its products. If specific requirements exist that are not covered by this Technical Description, we are always happy to discuss developments that would allow them to be fulfilled.

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*Prices are pre-tax. They exclude delivery charges and customs duties and do not include additional charges for installation or activation options. Prices are indicative only and may vary by country, with changes to the cost of raw materials and exchange rates.