Holographic Radar is a  continuously tracking 3D radar that does not scan, but can reliably discriminate between turbines and aircraft on easily observed differences in their behaviour.

Successful trials of a small scale system for the MoD in 2009 paved the way for the technology to be selected in 2010 by the UK Government’s Aviation Management Board, and agreement from the wind industry’s funding body, the Aviation Investment Fund Company Ltd, to offer financial support.

The region surrounding Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA) is strategically important to the growth of the UK wind industry, with potential for hundreds of turbines. However, this cannot be developed without an effective solution to mitigate interference to the airport’s important Primary Radar systems.

Many competing technical solutions have been proposed for this issue, but Cambridge Consultants’ Holographic Radar was found to best suit GPA’s operational requirement and offers greater deployment flexibility than current alternative technologies and the consultants worked extensively with aviation and wind energy stakeholders to create a technical solution that fully meets requirements.

The commission by GPA is seen as a significant first step towards the use of Holographic Radar as a standard aviation industry wind turbine mitigation technology.

Anne Mackenzie, Group manager at Infratil Airports Europe, owners of GPA comments: “We are supporting holographic radar as it is a no-degradation solution that can operate at low level without loss of cover. Not only is it spectrum friendly, but its 3D plots also make seamless integration into existing radar displays easier.

"A modular system, it should make the rollout of mitigation solutions for various wind farms more straightforward.  The result of this work will be an essential building block for a robust mitigation strategy for GPA, in an environment where safety is paramount.”

Craig Webster, commercial director at Cambridge Consultants said: "The most exciting thing about this programme is the level of collaboration. Prestwick has gone to considerable lengths to bring all parties together, including competing wind farm developers, to work up a solution that meets the needs of air traffic controllers and allows wind farms to be built in their region.

"It seems so much effort is being expended in conflict between the wind energy and aviation industries, when this commission clearly shows that there are practical and collaborative ways to find realistic solutions.”