Indonesia relies on fully IP-based R&S VCS-4G voice communications system from Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz has delivered its third fully IP-based R&S VCS-4G voice communications system to Indonesia, this time to the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU). The R&S VCS-4G system is integrated into a mobile tower for deployment throughout the country wherever an ATC communications infrastructure needs to be set up quickly. For example, the mobile tower can be used to coordinate relief flights to disaster areas when the local ATC infrastructure is no longer available to manage flight operations. The mobile tower offers room for two controller working positions (CWP) and a supervisor position.

In addition to the R&S VCS-4G voice communications system, the mobile tower is equipped with Rohde & Schwarz software defined radios R&S Series4200, R&S M3SR Series4100 and R&S M3SR Series4400 with voice over IP (VoIP) capability. Voice over IP (VoIP) in line with EUROCAE ED-137 has established itself as the communications technology of choice for ATC.

The Rohde & Schwarz VCS-4G voice communications system stands out for its high flexibility, space- and weight-savings design. The system can be scaled to meet requirements ranging from fully equipped area control centers to a single CWP. This flexibility makes the system ideal for use at small deployment sites such as in mobile towers. Fast and efficient operation can be achieved by using a distributed system with intelligent endpoints that ensure a quick system startup time. Using lightweight endpoints that allow great flexibility in final system dimensioning, a small IP-based VCS comprised of three controller working positions connected to VoIP capable radios and a redundant IP network can be as compact as a few height units in a 19" cabinet. The R&S VCS-4G also provides a feature to remotely monitor and control these radios.

The R&S VCS-4G uses a redundant design with numerous interfaces to external systems such as voice recording equipment and telephone lines. It has been designed to meet next-generation ATC requirements such as asset sharing, facility consolidation, geographical distribution, virtual center and remote tower, thereby providing effective support for the efficiency and safety objectives relevant in global aviation.