Plain English Meaning
A radar at or near an airport that shows controllers where nearby aircraft are, so they can guide them safely into and out of the airport.
Full Definition
A short-range radar system used by air traffic control to detect and display the position of aircraft within roughly 60 nautical miles of an airport. It provides controllers with each aircraft's bearing and distance from the radar antenna, allowing them to sequence and separate traffic during arrival, departure, and approach phases.
Context Anchor
You may see this term in air traffic control, radar service, and discussions near busy airports.