NAV CANADA selects Searidge to solve operational line-of-sight issues at YXU Air Traffic Control Tower

Searidge Technologies, provider of intelligent video solutions to Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and airports, announced that NAV CANADA, Canada’s air navigation service provider, has selected the Searidge ATC-Grade Video system to improve situational awareness for its Air Traffic Controllers at London International Airport (YXU).

Clear visibility of ground traffic is critical in creating a safe airport environment. At YXU, the limited height of the air traffic control tower and the steady pace of pilots training with small aircraft at a nearby flight school contribute to a non-optimal level of visibility of the controlled airport areas. To optimize visibility NAV CANADA will deploy advanced video and surveillance capabilities offered by the Searidge ATC-Grade video solution.

“After an extensive evaluation we have determined that Searidge’s ATC-Grade video is the best solution to support London’s visibility challenges” says Bill Crawley, director, ATS Systems Integration, NAV CANADA. “The solution will provide our controllers with full visual confirmation of the area of interest to help them effectively manage the ground traffic with a high degree of confidence”.

The Searidge ATC-Grade video system has a dramatic impact on the safety and efficiency of airport and ATC operations. In particular, the system’s video features enable air traffic controllers to have a clear perception of the entire airport surface. With multiple view options and zoom features, line-of-sight and blind-spot issues are eliminated, and enable controllers to make critical decisions such as confirming the correct aircraft sequence.

“We have a lot of experience in dealing with line-of-sight obstructions and have deployed similar systems at airports in Edmonton, Toronto, Malta, and Abu Dhabi,” says Alex Sauriol, vice president, ATM/Airport Technology, Searidge Technologies. Our video solution will be customized to meet London’s specific human factors requirements and will produce a reliable system that will improve awareness of surface activity and provide data to users that is safe, reliable and of high fidelity.”

The deployment of the system is scheduled for November 2011.