Improve Air Traffic Control Centres with the S17 Industrial Panel PC

Richard B.Aviation Technology, Panel PC

What makes an air traffic controller efficient? Is it because of their skills or with technological advancements?

Air traffic control (ATC) controllers are highly qualified professionals in the aviation operations. These controllers can both have the skills and technology. Of course, their skills are developed by mastering navigation, aerodynamics and air traffic.

But, there are also regulations governing them for their competencies in safety management. This ensures any controller to be highly competent within the area control centres. This prompts the European Aviation Safety Standards to provide safety management guidelines. That it will ensure strict safety protocols in all inbound and outbound flights. But, all these skills and safety guidelines can’t be applied if there is no right computing device.

That is why they use a reliable industrial computing device in the operations. Designed for complex processes, the S17 panel PCs are suitable for these operations. These can support the ATC controllers to perform specific functions in the system. With it, controllers can see conflicting situations on the skies in advance so they can act upon it.

Also, the S17 industrial-grade PCs have touchscreen features. Any user can access a certain function by touching the screen monitors. So, controllers can easily navigate the ATC system. Hence, its entire operations will be efficient and its operators will be productive.

Now, what are other specifications of this device to make it suitable for this industry? How can this device be integrated to the complex ATC operations? Read further to learn why this device is perfect for these operations.

Setup the S17 Industrial Panel PCs To Improve Air Traffic Operations

Why Setting Up S17 Panel PCs Can Improve Air Traffic Operations

The United Kingdom has the busiest airports in the world. In fact, the Civil Aviation Authority Statistics [PDF] showed that 16 airports in the UK had catered 85,785 flights last July 2017. This only means that all airports need to have a reliable system to organise an increasing number of flights. This is to ensure that accurate data is transmitted and gathered by the system.

Ensuring safety of flights remains a priority for air traffic controllers. As traffic in the skies increases, controllers need to be highly responsible for monitoring the aircraft flights. For example, there occurs a situation whereby two aircrafts are in the conflicting course. In this situation, controllers will have to prompt the pilots in advance that their aircrafts are coming too close. By using current technologies, they can react responsively to such situations. If control systems are upgraded, those situations can be prevented.

For these operations, an advanced computing device must be compliant with the system. One industrial computer that can be integrated to these is the S17 industrial panel PC. Its industrial-grade internal components can withstand all types of harsh working conditions. And, this includes complex management systems in the ATC command centres.

Also, the S17 rugged computers have an Intel® Core™ i7-3610QM processor for better computing utilisation. This makes it ideal for airports needing to increase efficiency in the operations. Hence, operators can perform its functions well without a system failure.

But, can it provide long-term availability for the ATC operations? A lot of potential risks may damage not only the system but also its operations. Let us explore some of the qualities of this device below.

Optimising the Airport Operations with S17 Industrial PCs

Airport operations have multiple networks connected to manage the entire flight system. Each network has a specific function like gathering data of aircraft arrivals and departure. Whilst, other networks receive weather forecast and flight updates.

With these networks, sometimes it may experience system failures due to heavy workloads. To minimise this from happening, its systems need to have all data secured. As a solution to this, operations can have the S17 industrial PCs to keep the systems going.

To improve performance and efficiency, these devices come with high-processing capabilities. Here are some of its key features allowing it to support the ATC operations.

Intel® Core™ i7-3610QM 2.30GHz Quad Core

Tasks inside the ATC command centres involve a lot of complex operations. These facilities use industrial computing devices to facilitate a complex network of operations. And, one important component for these industrial computers is its processors.

The S17 industrial computers have a high-end Intel® Core™ i7 processor with 4 cores and 8 threads. This means it maintains system performance even when there are applications running simultaneously. This processor is ideal for computing solutions and networks like the ATC centres.

Built-In Watchdog Timers

Ordinary desktop computers cannot withstand heavy workloads inside ATC command centres. To handle these complex networks, ATC operators use industrial computing devices. But, these devices can experience system failures which may hinder the entire operations.

The S17 industrial PCs have built-in Watchdog Timers. This special feature can monitor and record internal operating conditions. It will also prevent the start-up especially in conditions outside the operating temperature. So, the hardware of the device is protected and system failure is also prevented.

LED Backlit (1280 x 1024)

Inside the ATC command centre may have a low-lighting environment. Which is why its computers must have clear and bright screens. This is to ensure that controllers may be able to view better images of data on the device.

From using LCD, industrial computing devices now have an LED for better visuals. And for this reason, the S17 rugged computers comes with an LED backlit display at a 1280 x 1024 resolution. So, ATC controllers can see the data in the system clearly even in a low-lighting environment.

Touchscreen Technology

Nowadays, industrial computing devices are already integrated with a touchscreen technology. Two of this technology is being used to the device. One is the resistive and the other one is the projected capacitive touchscreen. Both have a different degree of touchscreen functionalities.

Either touchscreens can be setup or customised to the S17 rugged computers to work on these operations. But, for these facilities, it is best to use these devices with projected capacitance. Compared to resistive touchscreen, a projected capacitive touchscreen is more responsive to touch. And, by using capacitive touchscreen PCs, ATC personnel can access certain applications quickly.

Tough and Resistant

Air traffic command centres are also exposed to multi-tasking operations. Computing equipment is heavily used during peak hours. There are also possibilities of moist build-up as well as dust and dirt.

This S17 industrial computer has an IP69K rating and high NEMA sealing. It has a degree of protection against water spill overs, dust and dirt. It can also resist moist, heat and shocks that may cripple the system. Hence, it can optimise the performance of ATC personnel in the operations.

Install the S17 Industrial PCs in ATC Command Centres

The increasing traffic volumes remain a challenge for air traffic control command centres. Its systems should have the right equipment that will support ATC personnel duties. To meet these demands, there is a need to deliver the required skills and safety competencies.

And, with a right device, the skills and expertise of these personnel will improve as well. So, find a reliable computing device for these fast-paced working conditions. Start integrating the S17 industrial panel PC to the ATC facilities today.