Saab and Conlog deployable air traffic control tower, designed to implement dispersed operations
At Le Bourget, Saab followed up the announcement of its deployable air traffic control tower that was unveiled at the Turku Airshow in Finland on 16 June, 2023. The modular, secure and quick-to-deploy digital tower (r-TWR) designed for flexible, air traffic control missions, was developed with its industry partner Conlog Oy, Finland’s principal defence systems integrator, and perfectly suits the dispersed operations concept typical of the Swedish Air Force
When threats to permanent airbases are becoming increasingly realistic, air forces are looking to expeditionary or remote air operations to cope with challenging scenarios. The r-TWR Deployable includes everything required for air traffic management at established airports or temporary landing strips and can be rapidly transported by road or rail on one or two standardised trailers, or in a cargo aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules.
It can be mission ready within an hour and be operated remotely from a secure location at a base or connected to a centralised facility hundreds of kilometers away. Such a system could be a vital asset to the Swedish Air Force that is set to increase its dispersed fighter operations from temporary bases or motorways as part of its rebuilding a new concept based on the old concept.
Juha Moisio, CEO Conlog Oy, said: “We are extremely delighted to be able to work with Saab and to provide our highly mobile and durable expandable shelters and our newest hydraulic mast system to be the base of this most interesting system. With our experience in the most demanding conditions, we can provide solutions for varying locations.”
The r-TWR Deployable can be integrated with various Saab capabilities depending on customer needs. These includes TactiCall Voice Communication System for safe and cyber secure communications, the Giraffe 1X lightweight multi-mission surveillance radar with Drone Tracker capability, Sirius Compact passive surveillance for tactical applications and Barracuda camouflage for a reduced signature.
Many of the r-TWR Deployable’s features can also be deployed for international aid missions for the rapid deployment of such infrastructure into a country damaged by conflict or natural disasters.
Photos courtesy Saab
