NATS Selected to Manage Integration of New Radar at London Oxford Airport

NATS, a global leader in innovative air traffic solutions and airport performance, has been selected to programme manage and integrate a new air traffic control radar and communications system at London Oxford Airport.

The radar system, which will be supplied by Thales UK, is part of a £4.5 million investment in the airport’s technology infrastructure which also includes the replacement of the Airports primary Air Traffic Control Systems, including the Voice Communications System and VHF radios with the Schmid ICS200/60 and Jotron TA7650/RA7203 transmitters and receivers

“The challenge with installing and integrating key technology advancements of this nature is that it must come online without disrupting ongoing airport operations, whilst interface with the existing equipment ” said Iain Harris, NATS Services Engineering Director, “NATS has unparalleled experience managing safety critical engineering installations and transitions. The intention is to have this radar operational well ahead of the Olympics in summer 2012; efficient and effective programme management will be crucial to achieving this goal.”

The Thales primary and secondary (Mode-S, MSSR) surveillance radar system will enable more efficient transit through local airspace. Commenting on the new programme, London Oxford Airport Managing Director, Chris Orphanou stated: “London Oxford Airport anticipates a steady increase in business aviation traffic as well as commercial airline activity. With our intent to further build upon this growth, this radar is an important tool to facilitate a faster throughput of aircraft movements.”

Recently, NATS won the Engineering Support contract for London Oxford Airport through competitive tender. NATS suite of engineering, programme management and air traffic services can support key programmes at regional airports with scalable solutions, tailored for their specific needs.

NATS has extensive experience in the management and deployment of air traffic control systems, having designed and implemented technology infrastructures of control towers at Heathrow, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Farnborough, Jersey and the Isle of Man. Most recently, NATS has been awarded a contract to fit out the existing tower at Manchester airport with electronic flight progress strips, which will streamline the transition to the new tower in 2013.