Saab technology in new digital air traffic test centre in Belgium
End of May, the Belgian air traffic service provider Skeyes recently unveiled its Digital Tower Test Centre in Steenokkerzeel, Belgium, based on Saab’s digital air traffic management technology.
The test centre is a prototype for the digital control center currently under development by Skeyes and Société Wallonne des Aéroports in Namur, Belgium, set to be operational in 2026. It is based on Saab’s Remote Tower (r-TWR) solution and will be used to remotely manage the air traffic at Charleroi and Liège airports, which are located 100 km apart. The test centre will be used to train air traffic controllers and familiarise staff with the new technology.
Saab has delivered and integrated advanced technologies which will enhance reliability and safety, including camera technologies, simulators and visual presentation for the air traffic controllers in the centre. One of the pioneering achievements facilitated by Saab is the integration of an airport surveillance and Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) functionality into the digital tower concept. This system enables air traffic controllers to accurately track aircraft movements, even in adverse weather conditions, ensuring seamless operations at all times.
The r-TWR Family
The r-TWR Family of Digital Towers has been designed with flexibility and modularity in mind. Through the use of digital camera technology and sensors, operators can effectively conduct and manage various services remotely, based on visual surveillance. This removes the need to be on-site and occupying critical space at an airport, in favour of a chosen location.
London City and NATO Air Base
In 2021, London City Airport adopted a Saab r-TWR to become the first major international airport in the world to be fully controlled by a remote digital air traffic control tower. Switching from a physical tower, London City’s controllers now manage the runway from Swanwick with 360-degree monitoring thanks to 16 mast-mounted high-definition cameras and sensors.
Since September 2022 Saab’s r-TWR on the NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen is the first digital tower used in military operations. It's fully operational within NATO and is certified by the German Military Aviation Authority (LufABw). NATO’s main operation base for its fleet of Boeing E-3A Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) in Geilenkirchen, Germany will be using the Saab r-TWR in all weather conditions. The solution will service a complex military airbase with aircraft types ranging from fighter jets to helicopters.
Distance is no longer a factor
r-TWR are digital towers which enable the remote use of air traffic services (ATS) from any location. Being at an airport, air base or at a centralised location, distance is no longer a factor. The r-TWR functions can be integrated to a traditional tower as a hybrid solution, and can support the ramp and apron management using the same information. It can also be deployed and put in place when needed.
r-TWR Deployable
When threats to permanent airbases and Main Operating Bases are increasingly realistic, air forces are looking to expeditionary or remote air operations to provide resilience. The r-TWR Deployable is a mobile digital tower that provides high availability, mission-to-mission modularity and flexibility. It is mission-ready within an hour and can be operated remotely from any secure location at a base or connected to a centralised facility hundreds of miles away, keeping military personnel safe. The deployable digital tower can also serve a purpose for international aid missions with rapid deployment of such infrastructure into a country damaged by natural disasters.
The r-TWR Deployable includes everything needed for air traffic management at an established or temporary landing strip and can be rapidly transported by road or rail on one or two standardised trailers, or in a cargo aircraft. The r-TWR Deployable has been designed for military and relief operations, or as a home base contingency in case of significant equipment failure. The deployable digital tower is a must for a versatile, safe and flexible base operation.
Boost operational efficiency and safety
For each r-TWR model, such as the r-TWR Deployable, there is a comprehensive list of optional extras that can be selected to boost your airport’s operational efficiency and safety whilst reducing maintenance and labour costs. Further, all r-TWR models are fully integrable with any existing system, boosting efficiency and usability seamlessly in an unintrusive manner.
What happened in 2024?
2024 has been an important year for Saab, marked by significant developments across various sectors. With a strong emphasis on innovation, defense, and sustainability, Saab has continued to solidify its position as a leader in cutting-edge technology.