Systems Interface complete ILS/DME replacement contract for Marshall at Cambridge City Airport

Systems Interface (SIL) have supplied, installed and commissioned a NORMARC 7000 Instrument Landing System (ILS) consisting of a Two Frequency Dual Transmitter Localizer, a 12-Element Two Frequency Localizer Antenna (LOC), Single Frequency Glidepath (GP) and side band reference Glidepath Antenna and a NORMARC Low Power Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) along with new equipment shelters. The new system provides Remote Control and Monitoring and Remote Maintenance and Monitoring.

The new ILS and the DME equipment needed to be installed at existing locations thereby presenting our engineers with a few challenges because system downtime during transition had to be kept to a minimum to maintain a serviceable runway. This required splitting out specific civil works and installation tasks to accommodate the complex programme. The engineering team tactically prioritised the DME installation enabling the service to be restored whilst the existing GP was removed and the new one installed. The LOC replacement was left until last thereby enabling the airport to maintain DME/LOC approaches for as long as possible.

SIL provided all civil works for the installation as well as maintenance and operational training to airport staff.

The new system replaces the airports end-of-life equipment on Runway 23 and was delivered on time and in budget.