From Telematics Journal
Amsterdam Deploys ERA's Vehicle Tracking Units
After a successful round of long-term testing, Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport selected ERA to support the vehicle tracking segment of its Advanced Surface Movement and Guidance Control System (A-SMGCS).
Dutch air navigation service provider, LVNL, evaluated all market leading vehicle tracking units, placing them through a demanding six-month trial period. LVNL reported it focused mainly on reliability and ADS-B transmitting capabilities in highly obstructed airport areas. LVNL subsequently selected ERA's squitter beacon (SQB) and extended the pilot program of 60 units to well over 300 units for a complete airport implementation.
"ERA's SQB units allow us to take full advantage of our A-SMGCS, providing air traffic controllers with a complete view of each vehicle's location, largely increasing safety levels at all areas on the airport's surface," says Ruud van Halm, Project Manager of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
The ERA units operate seamlessly with the existing ground surveillance application, as all units are put through rigorous standards adherence allowing them to work with any ADS-B and multilateration surveillance system.
ERA's SQB units are equipped with smart Vehicle Location Transmitters, which transmit spontaneous Mode S reply, and a GPS receiver, which is used to track the vehicle location. These transmitters provide a constant, automatic stream of position and vehicle identification information to be displayed in the control tower. Thus, safety and efficiency are enhanced during all aircraft ground movements, even in the most adverse weather conditions.
Amsterdam's selection of ERA follows several recent deployments in leading airports worldwide including Copenhagen, Prague, Santiago and Cape Town.
