Fourth British Customer for the Technology
The Royal Navy has signed a contract with Saab for a Digital Tower solution to be installed at the Air Station Culdrose airfield in Cornwall, the company announced on 23 February. Delivery is scheduled for completion before year-end.
Following a competitive procurement process, the Royal Navy has become the fourth British customer (after London City Airport, Cranfield University and the Royal Air Force) 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.
“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,” stated Magnus Lewis-Olsson, Chairman of Saab UK.
“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,” added the Royal Navy’s Cdr Mick Gladwin.
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.
