DFS GmbH selects SDDS-NG from COMSOFT

Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (DFS) contracted COMSOFT for their Next Generation of Surveillance Data Distribution System (SDDS-NG), to be installed at all four ATM centres in Germany, providing advanced data exchange of surveillance information over an IP-based network.

German expert COMSOFT has been in partnership with DFS for over 20 years when carrying out the first generation of Radar Message Conversion and Distribution Equipment (RMCDE) on behalf of EUROCONTROL. SDDS-NG is COMSOFT’s successor to RMCDE, so naturally enables full integration and interoperability with RADNET, the European Radar Data Network.

DFS elected COMSOFT’s system solution in view of their confidence in the solid performance and quality, observed in a multitude of system deliveries to DFS premises. The German ANSP’s decision for COMSOFT’s Next Generation of RMCDE, the SDDS-NG, was the result of thorough and comprehensive testing, proving the leading character of this type of product.

The state-of-the-art SDDS-NG system is already in use by the Brazilian Airforce (Força Aérea Brasileira - FAB), Isavia of Iceland, and in Indonesia. Installation is also planned within further ongoing projects.

In the first instance the new system will run in parallel with DFS’s current RADNET, based on RMCDE, set to run for the next few years. DFS will install eight operational SDDS-NG systems at their four German Air Traffic Control Centres, located in Karlsruhe, Munich, Langen near Frankfurt and Bremen.

Acceptance for COMSOFT’s software was completed successfully in record time in December 2013 and the phased roll-out to the various sites will start in 2014.

SDDS-NG facilitates a uniform connection of all DFS surveillance sensors all over Germany using the ASTERIX standard. It was designed and developed to cover complete surveillance requirements, while also recognising and complying with latest safety standards. Security issues were also factored into its design with an enhanced Linux Kernel at the heart of the system and with mechanisms to protect against manipulation, resulting in robust data integrity and utmost availability.