Having proved controllers can provide air traffic control services to an airport remotely, SESAR validated the feasibility of providing simultaneous services to two airports from a single location. The solution offers new possibilities for small or local airports where building, maintaining, and staffing a conventional tower is unaffordable. It promises more efficient and cost-effective deployment of operational resources, improving service continuity and maintaining safety at the same time.
The concept draws on a range of advanced technology, including high-definition cameras, Infrared, and pan-tilt-zoom cameras to deliver the information the controller wants to see in real time. Video camera data can be integrated with existing surveillance sources to identify and track targets. In SESAR validations, a control facility provided controllers with an out-of-the-window view and working position that supported two low-traffic density airports located remotely, and allowed the controller to switch seamlessly between the two.
Like an onsite manned tower, the controller has access to data from supplementary sensors and software tools that significantly enhance the visual information on display, and SESAR partners have identified a core set of functionalities needed to deliver air traffic services to multiple airports.
This solution is available for industrialisation and remote towers have been implemented Germany (Saarbrücken, Erfurt, and Dresden) and Norway (15 airports). See also Solution PJ.05-02 on the multiple remote tower module.
SJU references: #52/Release 4
Benefits
-Operational and technology-related cost efficiency
Note: if you are interested in receiving a copy of the Single Remote Tower Security Assessment Report, please contact SESAR JU
Datapack