Systems
Print E-mail |
|
 |
 |
| CASE: FAA | |
|
|
Vaisala wins FAA contract to supply RVR systems for U.S. airports.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States recently awarded Vaisala a contract to develop and deliver PC-based runway visual range (RVR) systems for U.S. airports. The contract includes options for delivery of up to 77 RVR systems and associated spares. In addition, Vaisala will provide full program management, training and logistics support to the FAA.
RVR is a calculated estimation of the distance that a pilot can see down a runway. Prevailing weather conditions (fog, rain, snow, etc.) have the most impact on the RVR, but ambient light level and the runway light settings are also an important part of the equation.
Monitoring several runways with one system
The PC-based RVR system utilizes measurements by several Vaisala sensors. Vaisala's visibility sensors determine the meteorological optical range or visibility, background luminance sensors measure the ambient light level, and the runway light intensity monitors - currently under development - determine the intensity settings of the runway lights.
The sensors are connected to an automated weather observing system that computes the RVR value and transmits the data through various interfaces to the users. The data processing unit (DPU) may be duplicated to provide redundancy in the case of hardware failure. Up to 30 visibility sensors may be connected to the DPU, allowing monitoring of several runways with one and the same system. The main users are Air Traffic Control personnel who access the RVR data through controller displays that are also being developed by Vaisala.
Vaisala's experience and reputation sealed the deal
Vaisala was awarded the contract after the FAA had comprehensively evaluated the available technology, corporate technical capability and past contractual performance. The system proposed by Vaisala represents a low technical risk to the FAA, since many similar systems are already in use around the world.
Vaisala's high quality optical sensor technology, coupled with its experience and reputation as a high quality aviation weather system provider, helped Vaisala to rise above the competition.
Meeting the customer's specifications
Vaisala's Aviation Weather design team in Helsinki will further develop the system to meet FAA specifications. A major portion of the development work will concentrate on the software and hardware interfaces, to allow the system to connect with other FAA equipment and data networks.
The ongoing development phase calls for frequent and comprehensive technical reviews with the FAA to ensure that every requirement is addressed. After the design is completed and approved, prototype systems will be built and installed at selected U.S. airports for operational qualification testing. One of the prototypes will undergo a strict laboratory test program to verify system compliance with all FAA specifications.
Comprehensive training included
In addition to designing the system hardware and software, Vaisala will develop and provide comprehensive operator training for the FAA's technical operations specialists, to allow them to effectively install, operate and maintain the system.
Deliveries of the RVR systems are scheduled to start in early 2008.
Author: Tapani Laine, Vaisala, Boulder, CO, USA
 |
 |
 |
Previous page Back to top Next page |