The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has awarded a contract to Rohde & Schwarz, to upgrade and expand the Air Traffic Control (ATC) radio communications system at Singapore Changi Airport. The enhanced system will further strengthen safety for airlines and passengers. As part of the contract, Rohde & Schwarz is required to provide auxiliary equipment, software, project management, training as well as after-sales services for a 15-year period to CAAS.

Rohde and Schwarz, a global manufacturer of information and communications technology products, will install more than 240 R&S Series 4200 VHF/UHF¹ radios at Changi, including at the new radio stations to be built at Changi East. Besides providing high-quality voice connections between pilots and air traffic controllers, these radios also deploy a new technology called Detection of Simultaneous Transmissions (DSiT). With the acquisition of these radios, CAAS will be the first air navigation service provider in the Asia-Pacific to adopt DSiT. DSiT enables the detection and notification of simultaneous radio calls to air traffic controllers who can communicate with two counterparts at the same time.

Mr Soh Poh Theen, Deputy Director-General (Air Navigation Services) of CAAS said: “CAAS is continually exploring new technologies to provide better air traffic services and a higher level of safety. This technology will enhance communications between our controllers and pilots, thus improving operational safety. With air traffic projected to grow exponentially in the region, it is imperative for CAAS to invest in critical ATC infrastructure ahead of time.”

Mr Constantin von Reden, Vice President Market Segment ATC at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “We are proud to partner with CAAS for the future-proof installation of additional ATC communications capacities at Changi Airport. As this major international transportation hub for Asia keeps developing, our solution will support the operational efficiency and resource management along with highest safety standards.”         

 [1] VHF/UHF radios are radios operating at very high frequency / ultra-high frequency.

The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to “Grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success”.  CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, develop Singapore as a centre for aviation knowledge and training, and contribute to the development of international aviation.

About Rohde & Schwarz

The Rohde & Schwarz technology group develops, produces and markets innovative test and measurement, information and communications technology products for professional users. Rohde & Schwarz focuses on test and measurement, broadcast and media, cybersecurity, secure communications and monitoring and network testing, areas that address many different industry and government-sector market segments. Founded more than 80 years ago, the independent company has an extensive sales and service network in more than 70 countries. On June 30, 2017, Rohde & Schwarz had approximately 10,500 employees. The group achieved a net revenue of approximately EUR 1.9 billion in the 2016/2017 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and also has regional hubs in Asia and the USA.