Spain’s Menorca Airport is turning to a remote tower system for its air traffic control (ATC). Alongside Gesnaer Consulting and Avinor Air Navigation Services, Kongsberg has been selected to provide the advanced Remote Tower System.
The unique design of Kongsberg’s Electro-Optical Sensor Suite features a rotating platform housing a visual and infrased 360° daylight and infrared cameras as well as pan-tilt camera platform with a visual zoom camera, an infrared camera, a laser range finder and a signalling light. Air traffic controllers are then able to view the digital out the window view on high resolution monitors.
One of the major benefits of remote tower technology is that the system can be extended to control multiple airports from the same control centre. Kongsberg and Avinor Air Navigation Services are already working together on the Ninox programme, which includes 15 different airports that will all be operated from a new control centre located in Bodø, Norway (pictured right).
“Remote control of air traffic brings new capabilities to air traffic operations, enabling safe operations at reduced costs,” said Kjetil Reiten Myhra, Executive VP Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS. “This is achieved by the combination of high-end technology and proven safe operation procedures and concepts. Kongsberg is proud to deliver our world class solution to Menorca Airport and AENA together with the industry team.”
The system is expected to be delivered in 2021 with Gesnaer Consulting responsible for implementing and executing the project on behalf of Spanish airport operator, AENA.
