What does the acronym "TCAS" stand for?

The acronym "TCAS" stands for Traffic Collision Avoidance System. This system is an essential component of modern aircraft avionics, designed to enhance air safety by helping to prevent mid-air collisions. TCAS monitors the airspace around an aircraft and provides pilots with warnings and instructions if a potential collision with another aircraft is detected. This involves assessing the altitude, speed, and trajectory of surrounding aircraft, using a combination of transponder signals and onboard position data.

The functions of TCAS include issuing alerts such as "Traffic" to notify pilots of nearby aircraft and "Climb" or "Descend" instructions to guide them in avoiding potential collisions. Therefore, the correct definition accurately reflects its fundamental purpose in aviation safety.