Volpe Center Highlights - November/December 1999
Focus
Director's Notes |
Focus |
Safety |
Mobility |
Human and Natural Environment |
Economic Growth and Trade |
National Security
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Voice Communication Switching System
(VCSS/ETVS)
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Recently, Messieurs Erik Ferland and Philip King of the Airport Surface Division traveled to Royal Air Force bases Mildenhall and Lakenheath in Suffolk County, United Kingdom and conducted site surveys in preparation for significant upgrades of four major national airspace systems for the Department of Defense (DoD). The surveys, which took three weeks, were completed and the Site Survey Reports are now being prepared. Each site survey report identifies the set of critical success factors necessary to begin the equipment upgrade implementation process. The reports document in detail the civil engineering and communications requirements needed to support the installation of National Airspace System (NAS) equipment and address integration issues raised by any of the participating agencies and host base organizations.
The site surveys are part of a much larger interdivisional Volpe team effort in support of the United States Air Force (USAF) NAS Program. The Airport Surface Division leads the project and participants include Messieurs Erik Ferland, Peter Kennett, Philip King, Paul Poirier, Angelo Rallo, and Ms. Linda Tang of that division; Messieurs Antonino D'Eramo and Mark Raney of the Environmental Engineering Division; and Mr. Stephen Creaghan of the Operations Assessment Division.
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DoD Advanced Automation System (DAAS/STARS)
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Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR)
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The project is in its initial phase and the site surveys conducted in the United Kingdom are the first of many to be conducted at up to 90 USAF bases worldwide. This project is a major multi-year effort for the Volpe Center with site surveys scheduled through 2001, and equipment deliveries and installations scheduled through 2007.
This Volpe team is providing this engineering and installation support to the U.S. Air Force Electronic Systems Center National Airspace Systems Office (GAA). GAA is responsible for national airspace implementation for the DoD. Volpe Center staff are conducting site surveys and site preparation for the installation of the following four major systems:
DoD Advanced Automation System (DAAS/STARS) - This system provides Terminal Controllers Workstations to controllers in radar approach control facilities (RAPCONs) and Tower Display Workstations to controllers in air traffic control towers (ATCTs). Each STARS installation will be tailored to the specific needs and size for a particular site, from the smallest tower to the largest and most complex combination of towers and approach facilities.
Voice Communications Switching System (VCSS/ETVS) - This is the new voice switching system for
ground-to-ground and air-to-ground communications in ATCTs and RAPCON facilities.
Digital Voice Recording System (DVRS) - This system replaces current magnetic tape legal voice recording systems with digital technology.
Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR) - This replaces the existing analog GPN-20 radar. The DASR is substantially more reliable and maintainable than the GPN-20. It provides 6 levels of weather data and improved filtering of moving ground targets and requires only 1 equipment rack at the RAPCON versus the 2 for the GPN-20.
The project is a prime example of the Center's ability to work across divisions to capture the skills required to fulfill a mission. The project is led by Mr. Stephen Creaghan of the Operations Assessment Division, who was presented with a Volpe Center Peer Leadership Award at the Volpe Center Awards Ceremony in December for his leadership of this project.
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