ENAV Handpicks Searidge as Remote Tower Partner for SESAR JU Large-Scale Demonstration

Searidge Technologies, provider of surface management solutions to airports and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), has announced that ENAV S.p.A., Italy’s ANSP, has selected them to be a remote tower partner for the SESAR Joint Undertaking (SJU) large-scale demonstration project- Remote Airport Concept of Operation (RACOON).

RACOON is an ENAV‐led project that consists of a consortium of  key stakeholders that include ANSPs, airports, airspace users and manufacturers.    The project aims to demonstrate the viability and cost effectiveness of providing Remote Tower Services to multiple airports. For the purpose of the project, a remote tower will be set up at Milano Malpensa airport, which will act as a Remote Tower Center (RTC) providing remote airport services combined with air navigation (RNAV) procedures for the night-time operations to Milano Linate, as well as a virtual airport.

“Searidge offers the most flexible remote tower solution available on the market,” says Cristiano Baldoni, International Strategies, SESAR Unit, ENAV S.p.A. “As we transition from the traditional air traffic control operation to a remote tower operation it is essential to have a technology partner that encourages the team to customize all aspects of the solution to best support the unique requirements of each concept operation.”

Searidge will provide air traffic controllers (ATCOs) at the RTC center with real-time video that has automation functionality, advanced video processing for target tracking and positioning, integrated real-time data on a common platform and a customized human machine interface (HMI) where all information will be displayed.  Every aspect of the solution will be tailored to ENAV ATCOs and site-specific requirements. To achieve this, Searidge will use off-the-shelf hardware that will provide controllers with enhanced situational awareness, particularly in low visibility conditions. And during night operations, approach radar, ground radar and electronic flight strips data will be integrated to give them a comprehensive view of all activity taking place on and around the airport surface.  

“ We are pleased to partner with ENAV on this project to showcase the value and feasibility of remote towers,” says Moodie Cheikh, Chief Executive Officer, Searidge Technologies. “As a company, we have taken a unique open approach to remote towers, providing our customers with a robust and flexible solution that is adaptable to their concept of operation, regulations, and site-specific and user requirements.”