Systems Interface Ltd has been awarded a contract to deliver a key upgrade to the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Donegal Airport, enhancing operational safety and reliability during low-visibility approaches. The project includes the supply, installation, commissioning, training, and flight calibration of the new systems.

The delivered equipment includes a new Localiser (LOC) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), replacing systems originally installed by Systems Interface in 2010. These systems are essential for precision landings in adverse weather conditions. Systems Interface will also support the development of the safety case in line with EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) regulations.

“Having delivered the original system, we had in-depth knowledge of Donegal’s airfield systems. This positioned us perfectly to implement a cost-effective upgrade by reusing existing infrastructure and avoiding unnecessary civil works,” commented David Chandler, Sales and Business Development Director at Systems Interface. 

The ILS provides approach guidance via two key components: the Localiser (LOC), which transmits lateral signals to align the aircraft with the runway centreline, and the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), which calculates the aircraft’s distance to the runway by measuring the time delay of radio signals exchanged with a ground station. 

The upgraded system is expected to become fully operational during 2025, reinforcing Donegal Airport’s commitment to safe and efficient regional air service.

About Donegal Airport
Donegal Airport is a strategically important regional hub, handling over 50,000 passengers annually. It offers vital connectivity through twice-daily flights to Dublin and a growing seasonal route to Glasgow. Internationally recognised for its dramatic coastal location, Donegal has been voted the world’s most scenic airport landing multiple times. It serves as a key economic and tourism gateway to Ireland’s rugged and remote North-West.

Photo Credit: Aerfort Dhún na nGall | Donegal Airport

Systems Interface Ltd has signed a contract to design, deliver, install, and commission an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) at Aéroport de Beyla (Beyla Airport) in south-eastern Guinea. The project includes the provision of all related services and features key equipment supplied by Systems Interface’s delivery partner, Campbell Scientific.

The delivered solution will provide 2 weather stations located near the runway touchdown zones.  The AWOS system comprises of sensors to accurately measure meteorological factors including wind, pressure, temperature, humidity, cloud height and rainfall.  Present weather is measured by infra-red sensors that measures precipitation and visibility by accurately determining the size and velocity of water droplets in the air. 

The weather stations are connected to the tower where dual redundant server systems deliver the key data to two operator positions and an engineering location that also continuously monitors the health of the whole system.

An Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) is integrated into the solution.  The ATIS broadcasts key information to aircraft, via synthesised voice, these messages are automatically transferred from the AWOS system utilising a Voice Over IP (VoIP) audio interface. 

“The automated weather system deployed at Beyla airport will deliver accurate, dependable and real-time critical weather data, allowing timely and informed decisions to be made by the airspace users”, commented David Chandler, Sales and Business Development Director at Systems Interface. 

About Beyla Airport (ICAO: GUBE)
Beyla Airport is located in Nzerekore, Guinea (9 km / 5.6 miles west of Beyla) at the foot of the Simandou mountain range. Beyla Airport is undergoing significant expansion to cater for increased traffic due to major mining developments in the region.

Photo Credit: iStock | sharply_done

In a multi-year contract signed with HIAL (Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd), Systems Interface will deploy Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) at 8 airports across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. These airports provide critical transport services to some of the UK’s remotest communities. Dependable navigation systems that work day and night and in all weather conditions are therefore crucial to maintaining these key links. 

Under the terms of the contract 4 systems will be deployed in 2025, with the remaining 4 systems deployed in the following year. Systems Interface will be responsible for the turn-key operation of the systems including the support to achieve the necessary regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

David Chandler, Sales and Business Development Director at Systems Interface commented: “These systems will be deployed at some of the most challenging airport locations in Europe.  Through previous deliveries to HIAL, the Systems Interface project delivery team fully understand the complexities of the programme and are committed to achieving the agreed in-service delivery targets on schedule.”

The DME systems will be deployed at Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Sumburgh.

Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) uses the propagation delay of radio signals between an aircraft and a corresponding ground station to calculate the line-of-sight distance. The aircraft sends a signal to the ground station, the ground station responds with a signal back to the aircraft, the aircraft measures how long it takes for the signal to return and using the propagation delay, calculates its distance to the ground station

About HIAL – Highlands and Islands Airport Limited
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) is a private limited company wholly owned by the Scottish Ministers and responsible for the management and operation of 11 regional airports located at Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick. Working with our stakeholders, HIAL is committed to supporting the essential socio-economic role of aviation in Scotland by maintaining and developing the airports and the connections they provide for some of our country’s more remote communities.

Photo Credit: HIAL (Highlands & Islands Airports Limited)

Photo Credit: Freelance Photographer | Salvador Aznar 
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/aznar | www.s-aznarfotografo.com

Following an international tender, Systems Interface agreed a framework contract with the government foreign defence trade organisation, ROMTEHNICA for the turnkey provision of 13 Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) systems. The contract scope requires Systems Interface to provide the complete site infrastructure. In addition to the dual redundant NDBs, this will include the provision of equipment shelters, power back-up systems, telecommunication facilities, antennas and masts. 

The solution is based around the VR125S-RD-B: 125 W NDB from Nautel, who is a long-term supply partner to Systems Interface. A comprehensive logistics support package is included which covers spares, installation, commissioning, and training. The reliability of the system is underlined by the provision of a 10-year warranty. 

An NDB is a low frequency radio transmitter that transmits a signal of equal strength in all directions. NDBs are often associated with Non-Precision Approach procedures. The signal contains a coded element which is used for station identification. Automatic Direction Finding (ADF) equipment on board aircraft uses bearings from NDBs for navigation purposes. 

“NDBs are the longest established of today’s navigation aids with their use stretching back to the 1930s. It is a testament to their rugged and reliable performance characteristics that ensures they are still an essential component in today’s evolving airspace requirements,” commented David Chandler, Sales and Business Development Director at Systems Interface.

About RoAF (The Romanian Air Force) 
The Romanian Air Force (RoAF) is the air force branch of the Romanian Armed Forces. It was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Bucharest. The RoAF have an air force headquarters, an operational command, five air bases, a logistics base, an air defence brigade, an air defence regiment and an ISR brigade. Reserve forces include one air base and two airfields. In 2022, the Romanian Air Force employed 11,700 personnel. The RoAF is part of NATO and plays a role in aerial warfare.

Photo Credit: iStock.com/Icva2