Definition
A computer-driven radar display system used by air traffic controllers in busy terminal areas (typically TRACONs) that processes returns from primary and secondary surveillance radar to show each tracked aircraft as a moving target tagged with a data block containing its identity, altitude, and groundspeed. Stage III is the higher-capability version of the ARTS family, capable of automatically tracking and labeling many aircraft at once.
Plain English
A radar screen system that doesn't just show blips -- it automatically attaches a small label to each aircraft showing who they are, how high they're flying, and how fast they're going.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying discussions of radar services, terminal air traffic control, and ARTS III / DBRITE radar displays.
Derivation
The name describes its function: 'Automated' (the computer does the tracking and labeling), 'Radar Terminal System' (it serves terminal-area radar controllers), and 'Stage III' (the third and most capable generation in the series). Earlier stages had less automation and handled fewer aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
It gives controllers precise, real-time aircraft tracking that supports safe separation and efficient sequencing in busy terminal airspace.
Intuition Check
Do not think of ARTS III as equipment the pilot operates in the airplane. It is mainly an air traffic control system used by controllers to display and manage radar information.
Example Sentence 1
The approach controller used the ARTS III display to sequence a steady stream of arrivals into the Class B airport.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach briefing, the pilot was advised that ARTS III coverage was available for radar vectors to the final approach course.