VCS9808 Training Systems Technical Description

Transcription

1 Voice Communication Systems VCS9808 Training Systems Technical Description March 2014

2 CONTENTS 1 Introduction Background Systems Supplied By Troy Types of Troy Training VCS Basic Training Systems Custom Training Systems Simulator Training Systems Recently Supplied Systems Case Study Introduction System Features Types of Operator Panel Training System Architecture Basic Principles System Architecture System Management PC Download PC Record/Replay PC Optional Archive PC Optional Feature Creation of Role Pages and training exercises General Specification For Training Systems Delivered Systems and Customers Further Information... 13

3 TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1.1 Typical Custom Operator Workstation Screens... 4 Figure 1.2 Custom 2-Position Portable Basic Trainer VCS... 4 Figure 1.3 Troy NATS Prestwick Centre Dual Simulator Installation... 5 Figure 1.4 Troy Schmid ICS200/60 Simulator Images... 5 Figure 1.5 Troy Park Air PAS-220 Simulator Images... 5 Figure 1.6 Troy Custom Training VCS Roles and Screen Images... 7 Figure 1.7 Troy Custom Training VCS Factory Testing... 7 Figure 1.8 Troy PAS-220 Simulator Factory Testing... 7 Figure 1.9 Troy Live ATC System Factory Testing... 7 Figure 1.10 VCS Panel... 8 Figure 1.11 VCS Panel... 8 Figure 1.12 VCS9808-EVCS Panel Console/Arm type... 8 Figure 1.13 Training System Architecture... 9 Figure 1.14 Delivered Systems and Customers... 12

4 3 1 Introduction 1.1 Background This document provides a detailed description of the well-established Troy VCS9808 series of Training Voice Communication Systems. Where appropriate current systems use the same operator panels as those supplied with Troy Live ATC systems. Custom and Simulator versions use the same architecture and electronics, but physical and functional aspects are changed to suit the customer or system to be simulated. A separate document describes the application of the Troy VCS9808 to Live ATC Systems. Troy Systems has been designing and manufacturing ATC Voice Communication & Control Systems for use in training and live Civilian and Military environments since 1992, and many of the earliest systems remain in service today. 1.2 Systems Supplied By Troy Recently supplied training VCS systems include a fourth training system to the Air Navigation Service of the Czech Republic, which now has a total of 82 training positions. The fourth system has sophisticated enhancements to control and configuration hardware and software for this customer. These systems use the same operator workstations as live systems. In the last two years, Troy has also supplied Schmid ICS200/60 Training VCS simulators to Manchester and Luton Airports. This brings the number of Major UK airports using Troy Schmid simulator VCS systems for controller training to nine, including Heathrow and all other major London and Scottish airports. Troy also currently has 228 Troy Park Air PAS-220 simulator-training positions in service with NATS En Route, (National Air Traffic Service), at their two major control centre-training facilities in the UK. At their Prestwick Control Centre, they also have 20 Troy Frequentis 3020X simulator training positions, which were produced under a special licence agreement with Frequentis. Simulations of this Frequentis type are not available for supply to other customers. The Birmingham and Farnborough systems also incorporate a sophisticated Landing Clearance Indicator System for nonverbal communication between the VCR and ACR. Troy is currently building a further EVCS with eight positions for Glasgow Airport. We have also delivered a main VCCS to Sisimiut Airport in Greenland. This is a small system with two operator positions accessing up to eight radio channels and eight telephone lines. In the last year we have also delivered a major VCCS for Gimhae Airport in South Korea. This system is used by Military and Civilian controllers. The Gimhae system has 41 operator positions in six different areas, and in its final form accesses 27 main and 27 standby radios and a total of 74 telephone lines of different types. This system will be in full service from March Full details of all systems delivered by Troy, together with their locations and customer details can be found later in this document under the heading Delivered Systems and Customers. Other training systems of various types are in service in civilian and military environments around the world, including with the FCC in the US. Live systems supplied in the last year include EVCS systems to NATS for four UK airports, Manchester. Birmingham, Farnborough and Bristol.

5 4 2 Types of Troy Training VCS Troy Systems have provided many different VCS systems for training environments over the last ten years. These can be divided into three main types: 2.1 Basic Training Systems These systems are typically provided to training colleges and offer the limited radio and telephone functionality specified by the customer for basic communications training. They use touch screens with relatively simple pages that are also customised for the particular customer. Basic exercises and configurations are provided by Troy and typically the customer makes only minor changes to them during the life of the system. 2.2 Custom Training Systems These systems are designed for customers who have a very particular set of requirements for their VCS, and require a customised solution. Customers for such systems are often but not always military. Manufactured custom systems typically have extremely diverse features and functions. These systems can include custom designed screens and special purpose peripherals, and are often configured such that a single system runs multiple types of diverse exercise each using different peripherals. Typical uses are as part of wider simulations in complex military training environments, or as a single system delivering training at different levels to a number of groups. Figure 1.2 Custom 2-Position Portable Basic Trainer VCS 2.3 Simulator Training Systems These systems closely emulate the functionality and appearance of other major voice switches such as Schmid, and Park Air and are for use in a training environment. There are no physical communication lines attached to the system. These are simulated. External responses to controller telephone calls, transmissions and other signalling systems are provided by training staff from special input positions. The objective of these systems is to provide the trainee controller with a VCS that faithfully replicates the real-world VCCS they will eventually use. Levels of simulation depend upon the customer requirement. The simulator may be limited to providing VCS screen displays that are virtually identical to the target system, and communication functions that work from the HMI in the same way as the emulated system. In other systems the emulation will also involve provision of touch screens and peripherals physically very similar to their real world counterparts. Some of our customers provide whole rooms designed to faithfully replicate the real control room environment, containing furniture identical to that of the real control room, and with simulations of other systems used by controllers, such as radar. A full VCS simulator forms an important and integral part of such a training environment. A typical example is a major control centre, Prestwick, in Scotland, that uses the Park Air PAS-220 as the main voice switch, and a Frequentis 3020X as the backup switch. Figure 1.1 Typical Custom Operator Workstation Screens The Troy training facility in the same control room has a Troy Park Air PAS-220 VCS simulator linked to a separate Frequentis 3020X Emergency VCS simulator, mounted in identical furniture to the live system and with appearance and functionality that is extremely close to the live systems. (See below).

6 The Frequentis simulator was produced under a special licence agreement with Frequentis, and simulations of this type are not available to other customers. Figure 1.3 Troy NATS Prestwick Centre Dual Simulator Installation Our customers decide the level of simulation they require for training, both in terms of physical form and functionality. Thus the systems we supply are all customised to a greater or lesser extent. Controller Radio Page Controller Telephone Page Pseudo Pilot Telephone Page Figure 1.4 Troy Schmid ICS200/60 Simulator Images Controller Any Sector Trainer - Feed Position Supervisor Radio and Fail Modes Figure 1.5 Troy Park Air PAS-220 Simulator Images

7 3 Recently Supplied Systems Case Study 3.1 Introduction Troy continues to offer a complete custom design service for training systems where the requirement demands it. Sometimes this design relates to operator screen layout and functionality. For other systems, and particularly simulators, the custom design will include hardware that appears identical to other systems, development of special roles, interfaces to third party systems, special peripherals etc. Where the system is not required to emulate a specific hardware form then training systems are constructed using the same operator workstations as those used on Live ATC systems. Custom operator screens and system functionality is still available, but use of standard hardware reduces cost. A particular example of this approach has been the supply recently of four sophisticated training VCS for the Czech Republic. In concept they simulate some screen features and functions of the latest PAS-220, but they include many custom features and functions. (A remote control interface to the Radar Simulator is currently being developed). each with its own System, Download and Record facilities. (See later). The system uses workstation screen units and audio interface panels identical to those used in live systems. Controller/Instr position Controller Screen This system provides the customer with the full range of editing, page and exercise creation, full record/replay/archiving features common to our systems. These are described in more detail later. Controller/Instr position Instructor Screen 3.2 System Features The four systems have a total of 82 positions, configured as separate systems of respectively 20, 21, 16 and 25 positions. Each position has the capability to perform two different roles, e.g. trainee/instructor or pilot/coordinator where required. Each role has its own screen and it is possible to scroll between the screens as required. The system includes a wide range of special features, such as selective intercoms, broadcast functions, global supervisor roles, video and audio position monitoring, position sharing by two roles with scrolling between role pages etc. Importantly for a training system it also includes the facility for training staff to remotely fail various functions at selected trainee positions to aid in stress testing. Pilot/Coordinator position Pilot Screen As mentioned, the system is split into four independent units, installed in adjacent buildings,

8 Single Role Position Manual Dialling Figure 1.7 Troy Custom Training VCS Factory Testing Global Supervisor All Exercises Figure 1.8 Troy PAS-220 Simulator Factory Testing Single Role Position Coordinator Figure 1.9 Troy Live ATC System Factory Testing Instructor - Video and Audio Monitoring of Student Position Figure 1.6 Troy Custom Training VCS Roles and Screen Images

9 4 Types of Operator Panel For applications not requiring custom hardware in terms of the operator panel the following standard panels are available. These panels may be used in training or live ATC systems. Pod, panel and arm mount versions are available. The VCS (Figure 1.10) A 12.1 touch screen with front panel control for screen brightness, and separate audio interface with three configurable audio sockets for headsets, handsets and microphones. The sockets are identical in hardware terms but software can allocate different functions to them. A footswitch and one or two speaker panels may also be connected. VCS (Figure 1.11) Figure 1.10 VCS Panel 8.4 touch screen, with two integral and configurable audio sockets for headsets, handsets and microphones, and integral loudspeaker. Controls for volume and screen brightness are provided on the front panel and a footswitch and an external loudspeaker may optionally be connected to the unit. This cost effective panel offers all the normal VCS facilities in a smaller unit. The VCS9808 EVCS (Figure 1.12) Special version of the VCS , designed as an emergency panel. It offers an 8.4 touch screen, a single integral audio interface socket and loudspeaker. It also has an integral telephone handset. Controls for volume and screen brightness are provided on the front panel and a footswitch may optionally be connected to the unit. Figure 1.11 VCS Panel The attached telephone handset can be replaced with a microphone, and custom front panels can be provided. An EVCS panel normally offers relatively simple access to limited numbers of radios and telephones, but can be provided with some standard VCS functions. Figure 1.12 VCS9808-EVCS Panel Console/Arm type

10 5 Training System Architecture 5.1 Basic Principles The latest training systems have an architecture that ensures no single point of failure. A key aspect of this architecture is that each operator Workstation screen unit, (and on a live system, each line card), contains a small but powerful subcompact computer with a high temperature processor and very low power consumption. No fans are required, giving silent HMI operation. There is no central processing of communications. The System Computers below play no part in communications. System components are connected separately and directly to a standard ethernet network. On live systems dual redundant networks are used, but on training systems a single network is normally used. Communication is directly from position to position via the network, (and on live systems from Operator panel to line interface). 5.2 System Architecture The diagram below shows the general network arrangements for a training system. Figure 1.13 Training System Architecture System Management, Download, Record/Replay and Archive PCs are explained in detail below. None of these computers participates in position-to-position communications. Note that Record/Replay and Archive are optional facilities and not required for VCS function. The customer may choose a separate recording feature instead. 5.3 System Management PC This PC performs the following functions: In off-line mode, used for preparing or modifying new pages and exercises Assigning desks to particular exercises or configurations Continuous BITE testing of the system and reporting of faults Starting and stopping of training exercises Starting, stopping and pausing the recording of individual exercises Control of replay for individual exercises

11 Interface to third party systems for external control or data output Adding new or deleting radio frequencies and telephone lines This PC does not participate in position-to-position communications. 5.4 Download PC This PC is used solely for communication between the System Management PC and the desks. Such communications include: Starting and stopping exercises Updating desks with new or modified pages and exercises Communications relating to the BITE, (built-in test) function Where required, to provide communications data from desks This PC does not participate in position-to-position communications. control of the user either the oldest recordings are then deleted, or further recordings are not possible. The Archive PC provides further extensive storage for recordings. The user can choose to archive a recording at the time of recording or later, and then delete recordings from the Record/Replay PC to free up space. Recordings can be restored to the Record/Replay PC from the Archive PC for replay if required. The Archive PC also provides the facility to: Generate wav audio files for specific positions, in specific recorded exercises Listen to those recordings at the Archive PC Export the wav file/s via USB media for replay elsewhere Produce audio CDs containing these wav files The Archive PC has a local network link to the Record/Replay PC. 5.5 Record/Replay PC Optional This PC is connected to the network and monitors all communications between desks on all running exercises. This PC is not normally accessed by the user. Under control from the System PC, (or via an external control network from a third party system), it is possible to: This PC does not participate in position-to-position communications. Separately and simultaneously record all running exercises Separately and simultaneously replay any exercise Start recording synchronously at the start of an exercise or at some point during it Pause recording during an exercise and then re-start it Pause and re-start a replay operation. This PC stores recordings in a Troy format on a position-by-position and exercise by exercise basis. This PC does not participate in position-to-position communications. 5.6 Archive PC Optional Feature The Record /Replay PC have a large capacity for storage of recordings. However, extensive use of recording facilities on a large system will, over time, result in capacity being reached. Under

12 6 Creation of Role Pages and training exercises In some custom training systems the exercises and pages will have been designed by Troy to the customer specification. In these cases the customer may wish to have the basic facility to edit page parameters such as frequency labels, phone line and hotline names. Other systems demand a flexible means by which the customer may create training pages and exercises for different roles or scenarios. Troy VCS training systems incorporate features that allow the customer to prepare their own training exercises. A comprehensive page creation, graphics editor developed by Troy Systems can be used to produce touch screen page images and assign previously configured communication functions to buttons. Pages can then be called up in exercises, using desks and roles also allocated by the customer. Full training and support can be provided by Troy to staff engaged in this work. Alternatively, Troy can undertake this work on behalf of a customer. The facility for the customer to create training pages and exercises for different roles or scenarios is provided in a delivered training system. It is up to the customer to decide whether they wish to train their staff to carry out this work, or specify the requirements and use Troy to do the work. 7 General Specification For Training Systems Operator Panel functions and features are individually tailored to the requirements of each system, using a comprehensive library of functions and features. The VCS9808 series is a fully distributed system. There is no concept of a central processing unit, which would represent a single point of failure. The system has a System Management PC, (SPC), which monitors the system, and allows system configuration and control, but DOES NOT participate in (Headsets, footswitches, speakers etc.), connect directly to the OP. Positions are interconnected only by a single, (or optionally dual) 100MHz Ethernet network. system communications, and indeed does not have to be present for system function. Each position is intelligent, and contains a powerful PC, which stores its own copy of the system configuration. On the latest systems operator panels are fully integrated units, containing the touch screen components and all position control electronics. All position peripherals, All communications within the system are between OPs via networks. OPs can be VESA mounted to an arm, or special versions can be supplied for mounting into a console aperture or pod.

13 8 Delivered Systems and Customers Customer VCS9000/9808 Tower & Control Centre VCS System Location No of Positions No of Line Interfaces BAE Systems VCS9000 ATC Control Centre VCS UK Military Mobile Systems 6 x 3 6 Radio 8 Telephone BAE Systems VCS9000 ATC Control Centre VCS Military Saudi Classified Classified BAE Systems VCS9000 ATC Control Centre VCS Military Lion Classified Classified BAE Systems VCS9000 ATC Control Centre VCS Military Broadsword Classified Classified BAE Systems VCS9000 ATC Control Centre VCS Military Gryphon Classified Classified BAE Systems VCS9000 ATC Control Centre VCS Military Buffalo Classified Classified BAE Systems VCS9002 ATC Control Centre VCS Military Greece 4 Classified BAE Systems VCS9808 Flight Test Centre VCS BAE Warton 46 4 Radio 12 Telephone Shoreham Airport UK 1995 VCS9000 ATC Control Tower VCS Shoreham Airport UK 4 7 Radio 10 Telephone Hunting Aviation VCS1206 ATC Control Tower VCS City of Derry Airport N.I. - UK 2 4 Radio 6 Telephone RMAF VCS9000 ATC Control Centre VCS Royal Malaysian Air Force 14 Classified BAE Bristol VCS9000 ATC Control Centre VCS Military Bristol 8 Classified Dae Yang VCS9808 ATC Control Centre VCS Korea, Kimhae Airport 41 Classified EKINAVY VCS ATC Control Tower VCS Stepanakert - Armenia 3 16 Radio 24 Telephone ISAVIA VCS ATC Control Tower VCS Egilsstadir - Iceland 2 4 Radio 2 Telephone Cambodia ATS VCS ATC Control Tower VCS Phnom Penh - Cambodia 2 6 Radio Cambodia ATS VCS ATC Control Tower VCS Siem Reap - Cambodia 2 6 Radio Shoreham Airport UK 2012 VCS ATC Control Tower VCS Shoreham, West Sussex UK 4 10 Radio 8 Telephone Mittarfeqarfiit VCS9808 ATC Live Tower VCS Greenland, Sisimuit Airport 2 8 Radio 8 Telephone NATS - Birmingham VCS9808-EVCS ATC Control Centre EVCS Birmingham Airport - UK 8 6 Radio 4 Telephone NATS Manchester VCS9808-EVCS ATC Control Tower EVCS Manchester Airport - UK Radio 10 Telephone NATS - Farnborough VCS ATC Control Tower VCS Farnborough Airport UK Radio 12 Telephone NATS - Bristol VCS ATC Control Tower VCS Bristol Airport - UK 5 5 Radio 5 Telephone BRAA - Busan VCS ATC Control Tower VCS Gimhae Airport South Korea Radio 73 Telephone VCS9808 Custom Training Systems BAE Systems VCS9808 Custom Training VCS BAE Cwmbran 19+9 BAE Systems VCS9808 Custom Training VCS Military 36 BAE Systems VCS9808 Custom Training VCS OMAN 26 BAE Systems VCS9808 Custom Training VCS Military BAE Systems VCS9808 Custom Training VCS Singapore 11 BAE Systems VCS9808 Custom Training VCS UNET Netherlands Navy 21 BAE Systems VCS9808 Custom Training VCS UK Military Navy 5+5 BAE Systems VCS9808 Custom Training VCS Cranwell Training College - UK 22+8 BAE Systems VCS9808 Custom Training VCS RAF Shawbury UK ARTS 22 CAE VCS9808 Custom Training VCS RAF Shawbury UK TTF 17 NATS UK VCS9808 Custom Training VCS West Drayton - UK 69 NATS UK VCS9002 Custom Training VCS Hurn Airport - UK 200 NATS International VCS9808 Custom Training VCS Portable Training System 2 NATS International VCS9808 Custom Training VCS Portable Training System 2 Shearwater Limited VCS9808 Custom Training VCS Bristol 18 ASTAC College VCS9808 Custom Training VCS ASTAC Shoreham UK 12 ASTAC College VCS9808 Custom Training VCS ASTAC Gloucester UK 10 United Arab Emirates VCS9808 Custom Training VCS Abu Dhabi UAE 14 Federal Aviation Authority VCS9808 Custom Training VCS Oklahoma - USA 62 Air Navigation Service CZ VCS9808 Custom Training VCS Prague - Czech Republic 41 Air Navigation Service CZ VCS9808 Custom Training VCS Prague - Czech Republic 16 Air Navigation Service CZ VCS9808 Custom Training VCS Prague - Czech Republic 27 VCS9808 Simulator Training Systems NATS UK NATS UK NATS UK VCS Schmid Systems simulate Schmid ICS 200/60 VCS VCS PAS-220 Systems simulate Park Air PAS-220 VCS VCS Frequentis System simulates Frequentis 3020X VCS UK - Heathrow Airport UK - Stansted Airpor UK Luton Airport UK - Gatwick Airport UK - Southampton Airport UK - Glasgow Airport UK - Edinburgh Airport UK - Aberdeen Airport UK - Manchester CTC Southampton Swanwick Control Centre New Prestwick Control Centre New Prestwick Control Centre 20 Figure 1.14 Delivered Systems and Customers

14 9 Further Information Please visit our website at for further information. Troy will be pleased to discuss your requirements with you, and to assist in determining your requirement specification. Please contact us by or by Skype at troysystems. Alternatively call us on +44 (0) Troy will also be pleased to provide a budgetary quotation against an outline specification or a fixed price quotation against a detailed specification.