How FlightRadar24 work ?

FlightRadar24

Index

• About FlightRadar24.
• What is ADS-B?
• How does FlightRadar24 use ADS-B data?
• What is MLAT?
• How does FlightRadar24 use MLAT data?
• What is radar data?
• How does FlightRadar24 use radar data?
• Best Alternative of FlightRadar24

FlightRadar24 is a popular real-time flight tracking platform that allows users to track flights in real-time from their devices, including desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones. The platform collects data from various sources, including Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Multilateration (MLAT) systems, to provide accurate and up-to-date information about flights all around the world.

In this article, we will take a closer look at how FlightRadar24 works and the technology behind it.

What is ADS-B?

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is a system used in aviation to transmit flight data, including the flight's location, altitude, speed, and other information, to ground stations and other aircraft in the vicinity. This system uses GPS technology to determine the aircraft's location and a transponder to broadcast the information.

ADS-B systems are mandatory in many countries, and most modern aircraft are equipped with ADS-B transponders. As a result, ADS-B has become an essential source of data for flight tracking platforms such as FlightRadar24.

How does FlightRadar24 use ADS-B data?

FlightRadar24 uses ADS-B data to provide real-time flight tracking information to its users. The platform receives ADS-B signals from aircraft around the world and displays the flight's position on a map in real-time. The platform also provides additional information, including the flight number, aircraft type, departure and arrival times, and other details.

One of the unique features of FlightRadar24 is its ability to display the flight's speed and altitude in real-time. This data is useful for tracking the flight's progress and predicting its arrival time.

What is MLAT?

Multilateration (MLAT) is a technology used to track aircraft that do not have ADS-B transponders or have faulty transponders. MLAT uses multiple ground stations to determine the aircraft's location by measuring the time difference between the aircraft's signal and the signals from the ground stations.

Each ground station receives the aircraft's signal at a slightly different time, allowing the system to triangulate the aircraft's location accurately. This technology is not as accurate as ADS-B, but it can provide reliable data for flight tracking.

How does FlightRadar24 use MLAT data?

FlightRadar24 uses a network of ground stations equipped with MLAT technology to track flights that do not have ADS-B transponders or have faulty transponders. The platform uses the time difference between the signals received by the ground stations to determine the flight's location and displays it on the map.

The accuracy of MLAT data depends on the number and location of the ground stations in the network. FlightRadar24 has a large network of ground stations around the world, providing accurate and reliable flight tracking information.

What is radar data?

Radar is a technology used in aviation to detect and track aircraft. Radar systems emit radio waves that bounce off the aircraft and return to the radar antenna. By measuring the time it takes for the signal to return, the radar system can determine the aircraft's distance, altitude, and speed.

Radar data was the primary source of flight tracking information before the advent of ADS-B and MLAT technology. However, radar has some limitations, including range and line-of-sight requirements.

How does FlightRadar24 use radar data?

FlightRadar24 uses radar data to complement its ADS-B and MLAT data. The platform receives radar data from various sources, including government agencies and private companies, and integrates it into its flight tracking system.

Radar data can provide additional information about flights that are out of range of ADS-B and MLAT systems or that have faulty transponders. However, radar data is not as accurate or reliable as ADS-B and MLAT data, and FlightRadar24

Image source FlightRadar24

Best Alternative of FlightRadar24

There are several alternative flight tracking platforms to FlightRadar24. Here are some of the popular ones:

Flightradar.live - Similar to FlightRadar24, this platform provides real-time flight tracking information, including flight status, route, altitude, speed, and other details. It uses ADS-B, MLAT, and radar data to provide accurate flight tracking information.

FlightAware - This platform provides real-time flight tracking, flight status, and airport information. It uses ADS-B, MLAT, and radar data to track flights worldwide and provides alerts for flight delays and cancellations.

Plane Finder - This platform offers real-time flight tracking and provides flight status, route, altitude, speed, and other details. It uses ADS-B, MLAT, and radar data to provide accurate flight tracking information.

RadarBox - This platform offers real-time flight tracking and provides flight status, route, altitude, speed, and other details. It uses ADS-B, MLAT, and radar data to provide accurate flight tracking information.

FlightStats - This platform offers real-time flight tracking, flight status, and airport information. It uses ADS-B, MLAT, and radar data to track flights worldwide and provides alerts for flight delays and cancellations.

Each of these platforms has its own unique features and strengths, and the best alternative to FlightRadar24 will depend on the user's specific needs and preferences