A new air traffic control tower to be installed at a Moray military base will be the first of its kind for the UK armed forces.
Technology to be installed at RAF Lossiemouth’s upgraded facility will enable personnel to monitor the runway and airfield through cameras instead of visually.
The new tower is due to built as part of a revamp of the Moray base this year with its success reviewed through 2021 before deciding whether to use it elsewhere.
The equipment, which will be developed by Saab is also due to be introduced at London City airport – where controllers will based 120 miles away from the runway. However, personnel for the digital tower at RAF Lossiemouth will remain on the base.
Similar operations are already in operation at Cranfield Airport near London as well as in Sweden with a national roll-out due to take place in the Netherlands.
Air-Vice Marshal Simon Rochelle, chief of staff for capability, said: “The Royal Air Force is collaborating with Saab to develop RAF Lossiemouth’s digital tower demonstrator which will enable us to explore how we could modernise our air traffic services fit for a next generation air force.
“This is an exciting opportunity to develop technology that will enhance our personnel’s decision-making processes so that we continue to operate safely, securely and efficiently for decades to come.”
Magus Lewis-Olsson, president of Saab UK, said: “We are delighted that the close collaboration with the RAF has resulted in this first contract for a Saab digital tower and I look forward to the next steps in the air force’s journey towards digital airfields.”