More and more aircraft are being fitted with Enhanced GPWS, which combines the benefits of GPWS with a terrain database – amongst other things.

Couple of interesting links:
http://www51.honeywell.com/aero/common/documents/Terrain_Clearance_Floor.pdf
http://www51.honeywell.com/aero/common/documents/Peaks-Terrain-Display.pdf
http://www51.honeywell.com/aero/common/documents/Mode_2_-_Excessive_Terrain_Closure_Rate.avi
http://www51.honeywell.com/aero/common/documents/Terrain_Display.avi

Thanks for these details, but from what I can understand, these systems seem to use radio transmissions and pre-configured terrain data.

I guess what I’m trying to get at, is the possibility to install some form of multi-mode radar in the nose sections of airliners, which can provide both air-to-air and air-to-ground data, similar to the multi-mode radar in fighters.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not for one minute advocating the installation of military spec radars in the noses of airliners, that would be overkill. But at least have some form of radar which can provide live data to avoid both mid-air and ground collisions. It doesn’t have to be long range such as BVR capable radars in fighters, and obviously it will require some form of international standardization on frequencies and codes to avoid being identified as a military signature. Given the unit cost of airliners, I don’t think it would add a significant cost over and above the price of current airliners.

Very sad news indeed, my condolences and thoughts with the families who passed away, may they rest in peace 🙁

I don’t know too much regarding civil airline procedures, so please forgive my ignorance. Would it be possible to have collision avoiding radar to be installed on airliners? I think most of the large airliners have weather radar in their nose? Could this not be updated to also include some form of forward terrain scanning radar as well?