Where Does Flightradar24 Get Its Flight Tracking Data From?
Discover how Flightradar24 sources its data using ADS-B, radar, MLAT, and FAA information for accurate global flight tracking.
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Flightradar24 gathers its data from several sources, most notably ADS-B transponders. Aircraft equipped with ADS-B transponders broadcast their position, speed, and altitude, which are then received by Flightradar24’s network of more than 20,000 ground-based ADS-B receivers around the world. In addition to ADS-B data, Flightradar24 also uses radar data, Multilateration (MLAT) for aircraft not equipped with ADS-B, and FAA data for comprehensive flight tracking coverage.
FAQs & Answers
- What is ADS-B and how does Flightradar24 use it? ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) is a technology that broadcasts an aircraft's position, speed, and altitude. Flightradar24 collects this data from ADS-B transponders via a network of ground receivers to enable real-time flight tracking.
- How does Flightradar24 track aircraft without ADS-B transponders? For aircraft not equipped with ADS-B, Flightradar24 uses Multilateration (MLAT), which calculates position based on signal timing from multiple receivers, as well as radar data and FAA flight information.
- Why does Flightradar24 use FAA data? Flightradar24 incorporates FAA data to supplement its tracking, ensuring comprehensive coverage and accuracy, especially for flights in US airspace where FAA provides vital flight information.