What is a Collision Avoidance System (CAS)?
A Collision Avoidance System (CAS) is a set of technologies designed to help vehicles avoid collisions with other vehicles or obstacles.
It uses real-time data about the positions of other objects and the vehicle itself to navigate safely
How does CAS help land-based vehicles?
CAS in cars can automatically apply emergency brakes if it detects that the distance between vehicles is dangerously close, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.
The system is connected to the vehicle’s braking system and uses sensors like radar, lidar, and cameras to monitor the surroundings and detect potential collisions.
What is ‘Kavach’?
‘Kavach’ is an Indian collision avoidance system designed for trains.
It aims to enhance railway safety by preventing train collisions and accidents.
Components:
Computers: Onboard computers on trains and computers at stations process and transmit information about train locations and track conditions.
Communication: Data is transmitted via fiber-optic cables and radio frequencies to ensure continuous communication between trains and stations.
Control: The onboard computer controls braking systems and alerts the train crew to potential dangers, enabling automatic braking if necessary.
How does CAS work in ships and aircraft?
Aircraft:
Transponders: Aircraft use transponders to respond to radio-frequency pings, helping build a 3D view of nearby air traffic.
Alerts: CAS systems provide traffic advisories and require pilots to take action if another aircraft is on a potential collision course, including altering their flight path if needed.
Ships:
AIS (Automatic Identification System): Ships use AIS to share and receive data about their location, speed, and bearing, helping to avoid collisions.
LRIT (Long Range Identification and Tracking): Ships report their position every six hours to authorities, aiding in tracking and safety, especially on international voyages.
How have satellites changed CAS?
ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast):
For aircraft, ADS-B uses satellites to collect and broadcast information about each aircraft's location and speed, improving collision avoidance in areas without ground-based radar.
S-AIS (Satellite-AIS): For ships, satellites extend the range of AIS, allowing tracking of vessels in remote areas where terrestrial AIS stations are not available.
GPS and NavIC: GPS and similar systems like India’s NavIC enhance CAS by providing precise location data, improving navigation and collision avoidance for land, sea, and air transport.
Differential GPS can refine location accuracy to less than a meter, further enhancing safety.
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