The ERA extended surface surveillance system at Changi airport in Singapore has become operational

ERA Company announced that the extension of its surface management system MSS by ERA deployed at Changi International Airport in Singapore has achieved operational status. The customer Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore accepted the system after two successful rounds of testing (SAT and RAT) at the beginning of December. The so-called prettiest airport in the world is now consequently even safer.

Our company, renowned as a worldwide supplier of multilateration solutions, was awarded the contract for the supplying of an extension of its previous system in June 2012. The ERA proposed hardware delivery and project services for the expansion to enhance surveillance coverage of the current system involved adding 13 remote ground stations. After the installation the Multi-sensor Surveillance System (MSS) at Changi airport consists of 34 ground stations with central time architecture. (This ERA's own invention brings special features to the users - it is absolutely independent without any need of external synchronization.) The stations are completely water proof in order to withstand the typical local climate of heavy monsoon rains. The airport can also utilise 100 ADS-B squitter beacons for vehicle tracking called SQUIDs by ERA.

The need for an extension of the ERA MLAT system (originally installed in 2006) came about as a result of rapid development at the airport and is expected to continue even further. Changi is currently the 10th busiest airport in terms of aircraft movement. It operates three terminals and two runways with an annual passenger capacity of 66 million. The 4th terminal is under construction and should open in 2014. Changi Airport is also planning to add a 5th terminal by 2020.

Singapore’s Changi Airport is in addition considered the most beautiful airport in the world and one of the most highly awarded airports. The Changi Airport Group (CAG) established an environmental management system designed to proactively protect the environment and prevent pollution in 2010 and at present visitors are amazed at the diversity of greenery which fills each terminal.

On the green miracle at Changi Airport

Terminal 1 incorporates a cactus garden, complete with a rooftop garden, showcasing over 40 species of cacti and succulents. The Orchid Garden at Terminal 2 features spider orchids, Singapore’s famous hybrid butterfly orchids, and moth orchids from the Orchid Island of Taiwan. The green jewel of Changi Airport is Terminal 3. Awarded the Green Mark Gold designation in 2009, it spreads out over seven levels, three of which are underground. It houses the world’s first butterfly garden in an airport which is home to over 1,000 butterflies. Its collection of 200 carnivorous plants covers enough floor space as 50 soccer fields. One of the most amazing aspects of Terminal 3 is the green wall - a five-story-high vertical garden running across the main building, which is intertwined with four cascading waterfalls.