Modern airfields are literally spread with hundreds of radio-transmitting or radio-receiving devices and antennas used by critical landing aid systems (ILS, MLS, GLS, TLS, NDB, VOR, DME) and meteo or traffic radars. Most of them are extremely sensitive to potential interference generated by any metallic structure within their action range.
Because of the critical role played by these devices, the design and manufacturing of any surrounding premise are regulated by detailed international standards set by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), with possible improvements set by local Civil Aviation Authorities. Such standards not only forbid the use of any metallic fence and/or structure likely to compromise a full and reliable functionality of these radio devices, but also impose precise frangibility features to any structures near to the runways, with a view to minimizing damages in case of a possible impact with an aircraft. Meanwhile, airfield protection against intrusions is becoming a topical issue by reason of stunning traffic and passengers growth, multiplying sensitive targets number and raising up their protection level needs.
