Rohde & Schwarz delivers CERTIUM VCS for safe and efficient ATC communication across Canada

NAV CANADA and Rohde & Schwarz sign contract for “Backup Voice Communication Solution,” providing robust systems for all major airports and centers operated by the Canadian ANSP.

Rohde & Schwarz and NAV CANADA are proud to announce the signing of a contract for the supply and implementation of a "Backup Voice Communication Solution" for the entire Canadian airspace. This contract marks a significant milestone in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air traffic control (ATC) operations in the region.

Under the agreement, Rohde & Schwarz will deliver a comprehensive, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution, based on the proven CERTIUM VCS platform, which is compliant to the latest ED-137 standard. Multiple systems, each of them with a quad-redundant architecture and running on NAV CANADA’s virtualized environment, will provide robust coverage for all major airports and centers operated by NAV CANADA. The project, spanning over the next five years, will involve the deployment of more than 600 operational Operator Working Positions (OWP), which will be seamlessly interconnected with over 700 phone services and 800 radio frequencies.

“Having a modern and fully-fledged second voice communications system, that can be utilized not only in case of emergencies but also during planned maintenance or other occasions, is central to ATC operations across Canada, providing even greater safety, efficiency and resiliency into the future,” Mark Cooper, Vice President, Chief Technology and Information Officer, NAV CANADA said.  “We have been impressed with the solutions and work efforts from Rohde & Schwarz from previous programs and are looking forward to our collaboration with them.”

“Rohde & Schwarz is thrilled to partner with NAV CANADA on this important project, which will enhance the safety and efficiency of air traffic control operations across the Canadian airspace,” Anne Stephan, Vice President Critical Infrastructure & Network, Rohde & Schwarz, explains. “We will provide comprehensive support for the project for more than 15 years after its implementation. This commitment underscores our dedication to long-term customer satisfaction and the reliability of our solutions. We remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.”

As part of the project, Rohde & Schwarz will also deliver the Main VCS system for the International Flight Service Station located in Gander, which provides HF radio services over the Atlantic Ocean and Arctic region of Canada. This expansion of the CERTIUM VCS capability will ensure the highest level of safety and efficiency in managing air traffic in this critical airspace.

The CERTIUM VCS is a state-of-the-art, IP-based voice communications system that seamlessly integrates into the CERTIUM portfolio. With its advanced features and strong security mechanism, the CERTIUM VCS is capable of supporting remote digital facilities systems and connecting area control centers to virtual centers, enabling quick and flexible transfers between centers and even countries.

Photo Caption: Mark Cooper (NAV CANADA, 4^th from left) and Anne Stephan (Rohde & Schwarz, 4^th from the right) during a recent visit of a Rohde & Schwarz delegation at NAV CANADA in Ottawa. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)