CERTIUM Adaptable to Unique US Requirements
Air Traffic Control (ATC) authorities in the USA and around the world are currently evaluating innovative and transformative technologies in order to modernise legacy voice communication systems with obsolescent analogue interfaces.
The requirement is magnified by the operational drive to remain safe and cost-efficient, to keep management of national airspace flexible and yet maintain resilience against natural disasters or other disruptions. To meet these demanding requirements, Rohde & Schwarz USA introduces CERTIUM, an advanced IP-based ATC communications suite that constitutes a one-stop shop for an ATC communications system – from design, manufacturing and systems integration to tailored support services.
“Having established a range of large and small programmes and partners domestically, Rohde & Schwarz has built a local team with experience in the unique ATC requirements of the NAS [US National Airspace System],” commented Frank Dunn, President and CEO of Rohde & Schwarz USA and Canada. “Since 2012, we [have] actively participated and proven our solution’s readiness in various capability assessments and interoperability tests held by the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration]. We have demonstrated success in the US with the DoD and government agencies with our system engineering and project experience and large employee base in the US.”
“Rohde & Schwarz understands that safe technology is imperative, and being a strong partner is just as important,” added Constantin von Reden, VP Market Segment ATC. “Rohde & Schwarz has had the privilege of successfully supporting air navigation service providers (ANSP), military services, and other critical infrastructure entities requiring an upgrade of their voice switching systems to IP-based solutions for safety- and security-critical requirements. Over the last decade, we have gained the experience necessary to undertake a complex nationwide programme from contracting more than 360 Rohde & Schwarz full IP systems in 230 projects in more than 60 countries, most of which are deployed and operational today.”
Gregory McKenney, Business Development Manager at Rohde & Schwarz USA, highlights: “Now is the time to focus on enhancements and modernisation of ATC systems that are resilient, more agile and fit for the future by leveraging the advantages of today’s IP networks.”
To meet these demanding requirements, the company is introducing a complete portfolio for secure ATC communications under the new label CERTIUM, based on full IP solutions now available in the US. CERTIUM VCS-4G will be deployed in a decentralised architecture, divided into main and contingency environments, providing maximum resilience through geographical redundancy and quad-redundant server farms, while ‘virtual center’ capabilities support flexible decentralised operations with neighboring ARTCCs being able to support each other. With 300 controller working positions (CWP) being the largest single installation to date, multiple CERTIUM VCS-4G systems can scale up to the size required by the NAS.
