Defence Online

Saab has signed a contract with the Royal Navy to provide a Digital Tower solution at Air Station Culdrose’s satellite airfield at Predannack.

Following a competitive procurement, the Royal Navy has become the fourth UK customer to select Saab’s Digital Towers as part of a framework contract. The technology, which enables air traffic services to be conducted remotely, will also enhance the controllers’ situational awareness, through video, automatic tracking, graphic overlays, and enhanced safety tools.

The Royal Navy follows London City Airport, Cranfield University and the Royal Air Force in adopting the leading edge technology that will be delivered within 2021.

The digital air traffic control solution is a breakthrough in air traffic control and was introduced during 2015 in Sweden when Örnsköldsvik Airport became the first airport in the world with remote air traffic control. In the UK, Cranfield Airport is operating Saab´s system and London City will also operate the Saab solution starting later this year.

Magnus Lewis-Olsson, Chairman of Saab UK, said: “Saab’s leading air traffic management technologies have a beneficial role to play for both British civilian and military customers. The Royal Navy’s adoption of digital towers is an example of how the British Armed Forces embrace innovative solutions and Saab is delighted to support their forward looking vision.”

Cdr Mick Gladwin, Royal Navy, commented: “This is an important step in the Royal Navy’s continued development and exploitation of remote system technology to enhance the way air traffic services are delivered, improving controller efficiency and providing a safe operating environment for air systems.”

image courtesy of Saab

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