DFS, the German air navigation service provider, has successfully completed the RASUM 8.33 project (Radio Site Upgrade and Modernisation). Since 2010, the Germany-wide modernisation of radio technology has been carried out with around 4,000 radios at almost 100 radio sites. These stations are connected to the four DFS control centres and the 15 designated international German airports under the responsibility of DFS.
With the commissioning of the last radio station in Auderath (Rhineland-Palatinate), the project has now been completed. This project has enabled DFS to optimise aeronautical radio coverage in Germany as a whole. Independent, redundant telecommunications connections and new antenna systems have been installed. The renewal and standardisation of the buildings and infrastructure at the radio sites was also part of the project.
"The modernised sites will enable DFS to meet new challenges"
Commenting on the project, Friedrich-Wilhelm Menge, Chief Technology Officer on the DFS Executive Board, said: "The modernised sites will enable DFS to meet new challenges, such as voice transmission via Voice-over-IP (VoIP)." VoIP is a technology that enables voice communication to be transmitted via IP networks. In contrast to conventional analogue systems, VoIP offers higher voice quality and better scalability.
By converting radio sites to the new 8.33-kilohertz channel spacing, DFS is complying with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1079/2012. The goal is to eliminate the frequency shortage in Europe by reducing channel spacing.
The radio technology was supplied by the Rohde & Schwarz technology group.
Media contact:
Kristina Kelek
Telephone: +49 (0)6103 707-4161
E-mail: presse@dfs.de
DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (DFS), the German air navigation service provider, is a State-owned company under private law with 5,600 employees as at 30 June 2023. DFS ensures the safe and punctual flow of air traffic over Germany. Around 2,200 air traffic controllers guide more than three million flights through German airspace in peak years, up to 10,000 every day. The company operates control centres in Bremen, Karlsruhe, Langen and Munich as well as control towers at the 15 designated international airports in Germany. The subsidiary, DFS Aviation Services GmbH, markets and sells products and services related to air navigation services, and provides air traffic control at nine regional airports in Germany and at Edinburgh Airport in the United Kingdom. DFS is working on the integration of drones into air traffic and has set up a joint venture, Droniq GmbH, with Deutsche Telekom. Other subsidiaries include R. Eisenschmidt GmbH, which markets publications and products for general aviation, and Kaufbeuren ATM Training GmbH (KAT), which provides training for military air traffic services personnel. The joint venture FCS Flight Calibration Services GmbH offers flight inspection services.