Definition
An onboard radar system that scans the airspace ahead of and around an aircraft to detect other aircraft, terrain, or obstacles, and warns the pilot of potential collision threats so evasive action can be taken in time.
Plain English
A radar that looks out from the aircraft, spots things you might run into, and alerts the pilot so they can steer clear.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of aircraft safety equipment, traffic detection, and systems that help pilots avoid other aircraft in flight.
Derivation
From 'anti' (Latin, meaning 'against') and 'collision' (Latin 'collidere', to strike together). Radar comes from 'Radio Detection And Ranging'. Together: a radio-based detection system used to prevent striking another object in flight.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots early warning of nearby traffic so they can take action before a dangerous situation develops.
Intuition Check
Anticollision radar does not mean the aircraft automatically avoids a collision. It means the system detects a possible traffic hazard and warns the crew so they can respond.
Example Sentence 1
The crew used the anticollision radar to identify traffic crossing their flight path and requested a heading change from ATC.
Example Sentence 2
Anticollision radar helped the crew maintain safe separation from traffic in the busy terminal area.