THAKUR INSTITUTE OF AVIATION

TECHNOLOGY
(Instructor: Vinay Singh, Email: v.l.singh320@gmail.com, Mo:08108304735)

 SYNOPSIS : MICROWAVE LANDING SYSTEM (MLS)

Definations:MLS is an all weather precision landing system adopted by ICAO to replace or

supplement the ILS. It provides Azimuth ,Elevation,Distance as well as
“Back Azimuth” guidance.

Principle: Time Division Multiplexing/Time Reference Scanning Beams.

Installations: 1)“Azimuth transmitter” at far end of runway

2)“Elevation transmitter” at near end of runway.
Diagram:

Fig.1 Fig.2

Functions of MLS:
 Approach azimuth ( precise horizontal guidance)
 Back Azimuth ( Horizontal guidance for missed approach)
 Approach Elevation( Precise vertical guidance)
 Slant Range( Computer compensated slant range provided by precision DME accurate
to 100ft)
 Data Communication (Way point co-ordinates,Weather Conditions,Runway
conditions,Equipment status)

Operation:
 MLS employs 5 GHz transmitter at the landing place which uses passive electronically
scanned rays to send Time Reference Scanning Beams towards approaching aircraft.
 To be precised, there are 40.5 elevation scans/sec and 13.5 azimuth scans/sec.
 Azimuth Location is determined by the time interval between the reception of to & fro
pulses which is proportional to angular position of aircraft in relation to centerline of
runway.
 Glideslope location is determined by another beam that scans up & down at uniform
speed within its elevation limit. The aircraft position in relation to selected glideslope
angle is thus calculated in same manner.
 With precision DME, a continuous 3-D position is obtained and hence makes it possible
to land from any angle.

Display Instruments: CDI & HSI

Advantages over ILS

 It uses a single frequency broadcasting the azimuth and altitude information one after
the other
 Availability of 200 channels –five times more than ILS
 Antenna length is much smaller comparatively
 Lower site preparation, repair and maintenance cost.
 Elimination of service interruptions caused by snow accumulations, etc.
 Provision of all weather coverage upto ±60⁰ from runway centerline, from 0.9⁰ to15⁰ in
elevation and out of 20NM.
 Capability to provide precision guidance to small landing areas such as roof tops
heliports, etc.
 Because MLS uses scanning beams rather than fixed beam like ILS,MLS allows aircraft to
fly any of several approach angles, thereby avoiding noise sensitive areas on approach
paths and also reducing the impact of wake vortex problems.
 Provision of back azimuth for missed approach and departure guidance
 Elimination of FM broadcast interference problems
 ILS requires a fairly large flat protected area around the large antenna array to avoid
any signal interference by tall buildings, hills, etc. However since MLS operates in SHF
 band ,it can be used to operate in hilly areas because MLS beams can be interrupted and
reflections are avoided

Disadvantages:
 Expensive to buy
 Requires expensive installation in aircraft