Digital towers

摘要

SINCE THE start of routine commercial air services a century ago, the concept of giving controllers in the tower a direct view of operations so they can direct aircraft to, from and around an airport has remained constant. Recently, however, a new concept has emerged: the remote digital tower, using new technology to create a new way of managing traffic. A digital tower uses high-definition, day and night-visible, thermal and pan-tilt-zoom cameras to provide real-time images to air traffic controllers sitting many miles away. The live feed of panoramic views captured by cameras is re-created as a large, seamless panoramic image. The view is then augmented with operational and sensory data from other sources, such as radar and flight information on individual aircraft and the location of closed taxiways. Together, all the data is combined to provide the remotely located controllers with a 360° view of an airport. Cranfield Airport in Bedfordshire has recently become the first airport in the UK to have an operational digital air traffic control tower. The tower has been supplied by Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions. A statement from the airport's owner and operator, Cranfield University, said the airport is now working with the Civil Aviation Authority to complete the transition from the airport's traditional tower to the new digital centre.