Host Systems sends another ATC tower to Camp Bastion

Camp Bastion is the 5th busiest UK operated airport handling 450-500 movements a day including fixed wing, rotaries and UAVs. A Host Systems MVCR has provided 100% capability since January 2009. The second system will be used to assist with air traffic management and ease congestion by taking over the ground control movements from the main ATC tower.

Michael Brunton, CEO of Host Systems commented ' We are extremely proud that our system has met the huge demands of running such a busy airport in a very challenging and hostile environment. The first system we sent out has provided 24/7 capability for the RAF and USMC during the last 22 months since being commissioned and is supported by our dedicated team in the UK''.

Whist the first system in Camp Bastion was delivered as a standard fully mobile elevating system mounted on a trailer, the RAF took advantage of being able to remove the cabin from the trailer and operate it remotely with all interfaces being transferred into a remote Appliqué Box. When there was need in CB to mount the ATC Cabin on to a prefabricated platform to gain extra height, the cabin was easily removed and lifted onto the platform.

The internal equipment fit was completely the choice of the RAF, cloning existing main tower equipment in terms of radios, VCCS, MET, AGL and other interfaces, this ensured commonality of systems, ease of training and reduced the obligations of extra spare parts.