North Weald Airfield

North Weald Airfield, managed by Epping Forest District Council, required a comprehensive modernisation of its Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications and miscellaneous support systems. The exacting requirements of the ATC industry demand experienced project teams capable of delivering high-accuracy, operational systems. Copperchase was selected to provide a turn-key solution, leveraging over 30 years of experience and more than 50 years of operational ATC expertise.

The Requirement

The project scope involved the procurement and implementation of a wide array of mission-critical equipment, divided into two primary categories:

• Communications Systems: Detailed requirements for a robust voice communication infrastructure and radio suite.
• CTB Miscellaneous Systems: Necessary support hardware for airport operations, ranging from meteorological systems to emergency alerting.

The original requirements made no reference to Ground-to-Ground (G2G) radios, and the limited information initially provided made this task not straightforward. To facilitate the solution, Copperchase took the existing G2G system to a local supplier, which provided suitable upgrade and integration options that met the customer’s operational requirements while remaining compatible with the existing equipment.

The Solution

Copperchase proposed a tailored system configuration, integrating proprietary technology with hardware from strategic business partners to meet the airfield’s specific operational preferences.

Communications Infrastructure

The core of the communication upgrade centred on the SVS995 Standalone Console, which supports up to four radios with a mix of analogue and IP-connected ED137 interfaces. This capacitive touch-screen console offers both backward compatibility with legacy systems and forward compatibility for future enhancements.

For radio communications, Copperchase supplied Jotron TR-910 Multipurpose VHF Airband Radios. These compact, rugged, and VoIP-compliant transceivers are integrated into a larger radio system and connected to remote control and recording platforms.

The communication suite was completed with the Copperchase AIR Voice Recording System, a flexible platform designed to capture, store, and replay all electronic communications, including radio, phone, and radar data. The project also included the provision of a replay client, along with training covering impound request procedures for CAA actions and general system maintenance activities.

Miscellaneous Systems

To enhance situational awareness and safety, several key support systems were deployed:

• Vaisala Met System: An AWS310-SITE Automatic Weather Station provided precise, international-standard weather observations, featuring ultrasonic wind sensors, Class A barometers, and ceilometers for cloud-base detection. 
• DKP210 10-Metre Tiltable Mast: Robust winched mast system engineered to safely withstand extreme wind conditions.
• Wharton Network Time Servers: 5200 and 5400 series servers ensured time synchronisation across all computer networks, CCTV, and voice recording systems. 
• LED Signal Light Gun & Aerodrome Beacon: An LED signal light gun and an L-802A rotating aerodrome beacon (featuring a stainless steel option for corrosive environment protection) were provided for visual control and location marking. 
• CRASH Alarm System & Building Adaptations: A standard wired CRASH alarm system was installed. To account for the building’s specific fabric and acoustic characteristics, additional strobes and sirens were integrated. During the works, Copperchase also advised the customer on operational requirements for door-raising mechanisms and emergency cut-offs, which had not been identified in the original customer requirements.
• Operator Desk: Listening to the customer’s concerns, Copperchase promptly provided North Weald with an operator desk system that integrated all equipment and enabled operators to conduct their duties efficiently and with ease.

The project included a strong consultative element. This covered areas such as beacon placement, assessment of safety considerations relating to nearby facilities, and wider operational integration to ensure the system was both compliant and practical for day-to-day use. Copperchase also provided technical advice on the existing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony system in use at the previous facility, noting that the new location would not support it without upgrades to the network architecture and associated service provisions.

Project Assurance and Support

Human Factors considerations played an important role in the delivery. During the Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), it was identified that not all ATC operators were comfortable with the equipment configuration provided. In response, Copperchase engaged directly with the operators, listened to their concerns, and developed an interchangeable solution that could be adapted to individual operator preferences while maintaining operational consistency.

Copperchase provided a comprehensive project management lifecycle. Upon receipt of instructions to proceed, our technical team produced System Design Documentation and Factory Acceptance Test Specification (FAT) documents for approval prior to manufacturing and commissioning. Following successful Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), the airfield transitioned to a long-term support phase, including a spares package and dedicated telephone support.  

Conclusion

The North Weald project exemplifies Copperchase’s ability to deliver a seamless, integrated airport solution that prioritises safety, quality, and operational continuity. By providing a single point of contact for hardware, installation, and ongoing warranty support, Copperchase ensured that Epping Forest District Council received a robust ATC infrastructure precisely adapted to modern aviation and human factor demands.