Aviation

A London Airport Is Getting an Upgraded Air Traffic Control Tower-80 Miles Away From All the Planes

London’s City Airport is getting its high-tech upgrade in large part due to a lack of space. Instead of a bulky traditional tower that has to house actual humans, the new ATC tower will simply be host to a whole bunch of cameras, with live footage piped to controllers in a building some 18 miles away. There are additional benefits beside the saved space, too. The screens at the remote headquarters can compress a 360-degree view into 270 degrees, making it possible monitor more action in a smaller space

The airport is to decommission its traditional tower in 2019, meaning aircraft will be directed from a digital control room in Hampshire. Air traffic controllers will have a 360-degree, high definition view of the airfield, meaning they can monitor planes in more detail than by using the human eye, the airport said.

The technology has already been tested in Australia, Sweden, Norway and Ireland.

Current Situation –

The Tower Building Traditionally every airport has a conventional air traffic control tower, but they don’t come cheap. They cost millions to build and not all parts of the airfield are always visible. In comparison, going digital is more cost effective and offers real operational benefits.

A Digital Alternative

Controllers use high definition cameras and remote sensing technology to safely and securely manage air traffic from a location away from the airport
All operational data is transferred via a secure super-fast network to a custom built digital tower operations
room at NATS’ Swanwick air traffic control centre
Wrap around screens give the controllers an unparalleled view of the entire airport

The Technology

High definition cameras provide a full 360 degree view of the airport
Laser range finder for measuring distances to pin point accuracy
Pan, tilt and zoom cameras to view any part of the airfield in unprecedented detail
Displays enhanced with augmented reality style maps and aircraft data for increased controller awareness.

According NATS blogs Question and Answer.

How safe are digital control towers?

Everything is designed – from the technology to the procedures – with safety in mind and the same will apply for digital towers:

What happens if a camera fails?

In the system we’ll be using at London City Airport from 2019, there are 14 cameras, plus two separate ‘pan tilt zoom’ cameras. If one of the main cameras fails, one of the PTZs can quickly fill the gap until the camera can be swapped out and replaced.

What happens if all the cameras fail?

In the unlikely event that all the cameras fail, or that both of the independent video data feeds drop out, the team will revert to operating under Low Visibility Procedures as they do when in low cloud or fog, using voice communication and radar. This will slow things down, but it’s a normal part of ATC procedures and all very safe.

What about the screens?

There are 15 screens in the facility at Swanwick, meaning that if one of them fails the redundant one can instantly pick up the slack. The controllers can also rejig the order in which the screens display, meaning they will still see the airfield correctly. Then, at the right time, the defunct screen can be swapped out and replaced.

Can it be hacked?

Obviously we can never go into specifics about cyber security, but it is something we take incredibly seriously and keep under constant review. It is not an issue we ignore. What I can say it that the systems undergo extremely vigorous testing and for London City, we will have three entirely private and independent data feeds from the airport to Swanwick – two capable of carrying voice and video data, and the other just voice.

Wouldn’t it be safer to be at the airport?

This is one I hear quite a lot and I always answer by turning the question around: could it not be safer and more resilient to have your ATC operation offsite? In any case the principle of controlling aircraft from a remote location isn’t new. Our radar controllers at Swanwick and Prestwick centres are looking after aircraft potentially hundreds of miles away and all without ever setting eyes on them.

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Aviation

Exploring the Different Types of Helicopter Rotor Systems and the Science Behind Them

Helicopters are unique aircraft that use rotating blades, called rotors, to generate lift and enable flight. The design of these rotor systems is crucial because it affects how helicopters perform, maneuver, and respond to different flying conditions.

There are several types of helicopter rotor systems, each with its own advantages and specific uses. Understanding these systems helps us appreciate the engineering behind helicopters and their diverse capabilities, from search and rescue missions to military operations and aerial photography.

In this Video, we will explore the main types of helicopter rotor systems and how they contribute to the helicopter’s functionality and performance.

1. Single Rotor System

The single rotor system is characterized by a single main rotor blade that is responsible for generating lift. To counteract the torque produced by this rotor, a tail rotor is used. This setup is essential for maintaining directional control and stability during flight.

Uses: This design is prevalent in most conventional helicopters, including iconic models such as the Bell 206 and the Robinson R22. The simplicity of the single rotor system not only reduces mechanical complexity but also enhances efficiency. As a result, it is favored for a variety of applications, including aerial tours, law enforcement, and emergency medical services, where reliability and straightforward operation are paramount.

2. Tandem Rotor System

The tandem rotor system features two parallel rotors of equal size that rotate in opposite directions. This counter-rotation helps to cancel out the torque that each rotor would otherwise produce, resulting in a balanced and stable flight profile.

Uses: This configuration is typically employed in heavy-lift helicopters, such as the CH-47 Chinook. The tandem design allows for an increased payload capacity and enhanced stability, making it particularly effective for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies in military operations, as well as for civilian applications like logging and construction, where heavy lifting is required.

3. Coaxial Rotor System

The coaxial rotor system consists of two rotors mounted one above the other on the same mast, rotating in opposite directions. This innovative design minimizes the need for a tail rotor, allowing for a more compact helicopter structure.

Uses: Coaxial rotor systems can be found in helicopters such as the Kamov Ka-50. This design offers several advantages, including enhanced lift capabilities, improved maneuverability, and better control in various flight conditions. These features make it particularly suitable for military applications, where agility and quick response times are crucial, as well as for specific civilian operations that require high performance in tight spaces.

4. Intermeshing Rotor System

The intermeshing rotor system consists of two rotors that rotate in opposite directions while intersecting each other, but without colliding. This unique configuration creates a highly efficient aerodynamic profile.

Uses: This system is utilized in helicopters like the Kaman K-MAX, designed specifically for heavy lifting and aerial work. The intermeshing rotors provide remarkable stability and lift capabilities, making it particularly effective for operations in confined spaces, such as urban environments or dense forests. It is ideal for missions that involve heavy external loads, including construction, firefighting, and disaster relief efforts.

5. Transverse rotor system

The transverse rotor system has two parallel rotors that spin in opposite directions, improving lift and stability. This design enhances the aircraft’s aerodynamic efficiency and maneuverability.

A notable example of this system is the V-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft that merges helicopter vertical lift with the speed of a fixed-wing plane. allowing the Osprey to operate in tough environments like urban areas and remote locations. It can carry heavy loads and personnel, making it suitable for troop transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and logistical support in military operations. Overall, the transverse rotor system enhances the V-22 Osprey’s effectiveness and operational flexibility.

6. Compound Rotor System

The compound rotor system combines traditional rotor systems with fixed wings and other aerodynamic features to enhance efficiency and speed. This hybrid approach allows for greater aerodynamic performance than standard rotorcraft.

Uses: Advanced helicopters like the Sikorsky X2 and Boeing’s DBF (Defiant) utilize the compound rotor system. These helicopters are designed for higher speeds and longer ranges, making them suitable for military operations, search-and-rescue missions, and law enforcement tasks where rapid response and extended operational capabilities are essential.

7. NOTAR system

NOTAR system replaces the traditional tail rotor with a ducted fan and directional airflow to counter the torque from the main rotor. It works by pushing air through the tail boom and out through side vents, creating thrust that stabilizes the helicopter. This design reduces noise, boosts safety, and cuts down on maintenance.

Uses: The NOTAR system is found in helicopters like the MD 520N and MD 902 Explorer. Without an exposed tail rotor, it lowers the risk of rotor strikes, making it safer for operations in tight spaces. Its quieter performance is ideal for missions where low noise is needed, such as urban air operations, police work, and medical evacuations.