A NEW low-cost air traffic surveillance system has been launched by QinetiQ, in Malvern.

Called Quadrant, the system will particularly benefit medium and small airports. Launched earlier in the month, Quadrant will provide highly accurate aircraft movement pictures at much lower cost than conventional radar systems.

Based on a equipment used in military aircraft, Quadrant offers both local area and wide area surveillance

Julian Rose, of QinetiQ's airspace defence and control business group, welcomed the launch.

"Expensive radar has priced many smaller airports and airfields out of the air traffic surveillance market," he said.

"Quadrant provides an affordable and highly scaleable option and will undoubtedly allow operators to improve their situational awareness and, in turn, improve their airfield efficiency."