INTERSCAN Microwave Landing System

The INTERSCAN, which is short for Time INTERval SCANning) Microwave Landing System (MLS) was an Australian-developed technology created in response to a competition devised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and administered by the All Weather Operational Panel (AWOP) to find a replacement for the then current Instrument Landing System (ILS).

The INTERSCAN system through superior design and technological diplomacy was accepted as the world standard technology for assisted landing in 1978 and is still being installed and used in airports around the world such as Heathrow Airport.

Installation of INTERSCAN at Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne
Source: unknown.

INTERSCAN scientists in front of a prototype antenna
Source: CSIRO

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Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Engineering Heritage National Marker (EHNM)
Award Date	9 November 2013
Heritage Significance	From 1971 to early 1974, the INTERSCAN system was developed by the CSIRO as a potential alternative to the aging Instrument Landing System. The INTERSCAN Microwave Landing System is very significant to Australia nationally and internationally, as the guidance signal used by INTERSCAN became the international standard for this type of landing system in 1978. The significance of the INTERSCAN System is that it was initially completely designed in Australia and a working prototype was installed and successfully tested locally at Melbourne International Airport and Sydney Airport.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report	Available here.
Plaque/Interpretation Panel	Available here.