Fixed radio stations
Fixed radio stations are the primary means of handling communications pertaining to operation and control of aircraft in a given area. Equipped with transmitters receivers, or transceivers, they provide voice and data link communications with aircraft operating in the very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) ranges.
Due to the increasing demand for frequencies in the VHF band due to airspace re-sectorization, it is critical to have fixed radio stations installed throughout a dedicated area. These stations make it possible to fully control a given airspace. For instance, DFS, the air navigation service provider (ANSP) for Germany, controls all of German airspace from its headquarters in Langen, Germany with 2000 radios distributed over 100 fixed stations – all provided by Rohde & Schwarz.
Setting up a compact, resilient and reliable infrastructure is a key task for air traffic control (ATC) authorities and ANSPs. Rohde & Schwarz ATC system racks allow them to quickly plan such an infrastructure and put it into operation. These system racks are the basis for fully equipped radio systems consisting of R&S®Series4200 and/or R&S®Series5200 radios. Even systems with a large number of radio channels can be implemented in a minimum of space. Thanks to the standardized setup, various commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) equipment can be integrated with the radios. The radio equipment and options can easily be installed, retrofitted or removed. Built and equipped in the Rohde & Schwarz manufacturing plant in Teisnach, these racks are made of stainless steel and aluminum to ensure long life and high durability. This robust construction protects the equipment against mechanical stress and unauthorized access to the integrated components. Rohde & Schwarz provides complete rack systems with radios for fixed radio stations from the ground up, commissions them for operations and more.
For ATC fixed radio stations, Rohde & Schwarz offers a future-proof, IP-ready solution that supports the modernization of air traffic control communications. Our CERTIUM components, built on EUROCAE ED-136 and ED-137 standards, leverage the benefits of IP technology, including high flexibility and network resilience, to ensure reliable and efficient communication between air traffic controllers and pilots. To guarantee the continuous availability of these critical communication systems, our R&S®AVQA analysis system provides real-time monitoring and analysis, utilizing passive mid-point data flow analysis to detect and report any issues, ensuring that every link is fully functional and operational, and air traffic controllers can maintain safe and efficient communication with aircraft.
