DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), the German
air navigation service provider, has successfully completed onsite testing of
the Frequentis Remote Virtual Tower (RVT) solution for Saarbücken Airport, with
control services to be carried out from the Remote Tower Centre in Leipzig, 400
kilometers away.
Saarbrücken Airport has approximately 15,000
aircraft movements per year. In October 2017, DFS conducted rigorous testing of
the remote tower solution developed by Frequentis. The two-week testing phase
included formal test verifications as well as free tests with a multi- ay flight
programme in various weather conditions. A number of air traffic controllers
tested the image quality, the performance of automatic object detection as well
as camera tracking during the day and at night.
The Frequentis solution consists of
high-performance infrared and visual cameras, a newly designed controller
working position in the Remote Tower Centre in Leipzig, developed in close
cooperation with air traffic controllers, and a secure network connection
ensuring safe and reliable communications. This is an important milestone on the
way towards the go-live of the solution.
DFS and Frequentis have been working on the
implementation of a remote tower concept since 2015, with plans for the Remote
Tower Centre at Leipzig Airport, Germany. In the future, this centre will
provide aerodrome control services for the international airports of Saarbrücken,
Erfurt and Dresden.
Significant cost savings and increased efficiency
“Remotely controlled towers are a hot topic in
air traffic management - both the concept of providing aerodrome control
services from any location and the ability to control several airports from a
centralised location," said Robert
Schickling, Managing Director
Operations at DFS. "This solution promises significant cost savings and
increased efficiency while utilising advanced technologies that provide an
enhanced view of the airfield in all weather conditions.
"Thanks to the commitment and motivation of
the DFS and Frequentis smartVISION teams, we have been able to successfully
verify the quality and functionality of this forward-thinking, innovative
solution. We are now ready to take the next steps with the airports in Erfurt
and Dresden.”
Live operations (active shadowing) were
successfully conducted for Saarbrücken Airport in August 2016 under the umbrella
of the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) programme. The latest phase of
site testing has demonstrated the system’s performance and reliability. This
will allow the launch of live operations by the end of 2018 after the German
Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services (BAF) has given its
approval.
Important reference in the remote tower market
“The Remote Virtual Tower solution will allow
DFS to digitalise air traffic control solutions, says
Hannu Juurakko,
Vice President ATM, Frequentis AG. "The potential for increased efficiency and
reduced costs in the industry are driving the implementation around the world.
Saarbrücken will be an important reference in the Remote Tower market, we will
be the first manufacturer to provide remote tower ATC services at a complex,
medium-sized airport. The planned additions of Erfurt and Dresden airports, to
come under remote control from Leipzig, demonstrate the confidence DFS has in
our solution and the expansion of it.”
DFS and Frequentis are using advanced camera
and tracking technology in close cooperation with Rheinmetall Electronics and
provide a scalable 360° visual and infrared presentation with automatic object
detection functions and a capability to highlight all relevant traffic in the
control zone. It is supported by a high-performance pan tilt zoom (PTZ) camera
with tracking capability.
This successful cooperation between DFS and
Frequentis, with its innovative and trend-setting solution, lays the groundwork
for further development. DFS and Frequentis will strengthen their cooperation to
provide turnkey solutions for remote tower control on the global market.
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