Instant Air Traffic Control-Thanks To The RAAF

The need to design a new mobile air traffic control system arose out of dissatisfaction with the previous primitive models. Involvement in large scale military exercises like the Exercise Kangaroo series highlighted the requirement for a sophisticated mobile air traffic control unit.

During its baptism of fire in Exercise Kangaroo 89 (K89) the RAAF’s new MATCS showed itself to be a highly efficient mobile system not only satisfying the requirements of the RAAF but also those of the United States Marine Corp, whose air traffic controllers were also using the unit, concluding in the process that it was one of the best units they had ever seen and used.

During its five weeks at the RAAF’s Curtin base, a joint civilian/ RAAF airfield in north west Australia, in 1989, the MATCS successfully handled 5,000 aircraft movements. Not only did this new system prove itself to be an invaluable and highly effective unit during the hectic movements of Australian and American military aircraft during day and night sorties, but it also enabled the local civilian aircraft to continue to move freely without inconvenience.

Whilst the concept of a portable air traffic control unit is not new, the RAAF’s MATCS incorporates important features that could well make it the most advanced mobile air traffic control unit in the world. TheMATCS is fitted with the most modern available meteorological and electronic communications system; any changes in this equipment can be quickly effected by its highly interchangeable software. The design enables the MATCS to be swiftly collapsed and packed to fit into a C-130 Hercules, on to a rail car or towed by road.

The brand new communications systems used in the MATCS for the first time at RAAF Curtin in 1989 performed admirably; its total success has delighted the RAAF.

The MATCS’ road towing capabilities were proved beyond doubt when it was towed from HAAF Richmond along the long and often bumpy road to RAAF Curtin for Exercise Kangaroo. This unit was deployed and in use immediately on its arrival, suffering no ill effects after its long journey.

When extended on its hydraulically operated scissors lift, the MATCS’ cabin floor stands four metres above the ground. The MATCS is comprised of six main items of equipment: tower cabin and trailer; approach control cabin and mobiliser; generator; remote inter face cabinet; minilink 15 microwave radios; and remote antennae and masts.

Depending upon operational requirements, various combinations of the above may be deployed. Full MATCS deployment, incorporating the above, would require two C-130 Hercules aircraft, but deployment of minimal MATCS (tower cabin, trailer and generator) would only require one Hercules. This unit can also operate independently of mains electricity supply by using its own generator. The prime contractor involved in the construction of the MATCS was AWA Defence Industries based in Adelaide; Ericsson Defence Industries of Melbourne and Static Engineering ofAdelaide also carried out significant work on this program. As well as RAAF operational usage the MATCS is ideally suited for civil emergencies and natural disasters. When not required for operational duties the three RAAF MATCS (one at RAAF Williams, Laverton base, and two at RAAF Richmond) will undoubtedly earn their keep by being utilised for training and the control of aircraft movements not using normal airfields such as the Phillip Island Motor Cycle Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup.

Since the Falkland’s War, and other conflicts in various parts of the world, it has been abundantly clear that combat success is dependant not only upon the rapidity of forces deployment but increasingly so upon the quality of the communications system; in this context it appears that the construction and use of the RAAF’s MATCS is timely indeed.

In the light of the recent call for the Australian community to be closely linked with our country’s defence forces the move to use the MATCS in civilian situations is quite appropriate. The RAAF is to be congratulated upon its initiative in the design and use of its MATCS and its willingness to share this aircraft communication technology with civilian organisations