Mobile ATC Towers

5th Wheel Trailer Mounted VCR


The 5th Wheel Trailer Mounted Elevating VCR provides operational space for up to 3 ATC Controllers (ATCOs) and a walking supervisor. It is a self-contained, air transportable solution with sufficient storage for all the external ATC systems, deployment tools and equipment, and an on-board generator that can be towed by a commercial 5th Wheel HGV vehicle. A small team of 2-3 personnel can deploy and be operational within 2 hours of arrival. The internal ATC Equipment fit is designed with the customer to suit their specific needs and aircraft movement levels.

ATC Solutions

The 9 Bay operator’s console is designed to house a wide range of communications equipment including Radios, Voice Communications Switch, Voice Recorders, crash telephone, Meteorology equipment, and a UPS to provide hold up power for critical systems.

Deployment and Storage

Sitting on dual axles and “Super Single” wheels the active air suspension on the trailer can be raised to a higher ride height for improved rough terrain performance. Side belly lockers and storage on the 5th wheel step allows all deployment equipment to be packed on the trailer and a 17kVA Generator to be mounted on the vehicle. The VCR Cabin can be dismounted for air transport.

Safety

The personal safety of technical and operational personnel is considered in all aspects of the MATC design with safety systems built into the mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical elements of the system. Operational safety is provided by resilient and redundant solutions in accordance with customer requirements.

ATC Systems Overview


Equipment Mounted in Operator Console

Taken during installation this image indicates the mount of equipment that can be installed into the console. Equipment shown is customer specified and MATC is supplier agnostic building to customer requirement. A hinged, LED under-lit counter-top allows engineering access when complete.

Easy to Install Roof Mounts

Easy to install roof mounts attached to the ISO frame are provided for antennas, obstruction lights, meteorology sensors, ident beacons, and any other equipment to be mounted on the roof prior to elevation. A Connection panel on the balcony provides the interface to the various systems.

Environmentally Controlled Workspace

The MATC 5th Wheel Elevating Trailer provides a fully equipped, transportable, environmentally controlled, and insulated workspace that is designed to be similar to a static ATC Tower. It provides the same facilities as might be expected from any VCR but is transportable to where it is needed.

Deployment

The 5th Wheel Trailer is a self contained, C130 transportable, self-levelling elevating VCR that can be deployed in under 2 hours. Stairs, railings, antennas, and all ATC equipment are stored onboard the trailer. The step mounted generator allows instant power for the deployment.

Air-Transport

For air-transport the VCR cabin is removed from the trailer by disconnecting and stowing the umbilical cables, unlocking the corner ISO-Locks and simply winching onto the aircraft ramp. The trailer is equipped with a set of rollers and the VCR Cabin has a solid steel floor to facilitate movement on the aircraft handling system.

VCR Cabin

The VCR cabin is designed to be airlifted and strops can be attached to the ISO-frame corners to under sling from the aircraft.

Safety Systems

Automatic self-levelling and safety interlocks prevent the cabin from being raised until the trailer is correctly positioned. All hydraulics are equipped with check valves to prevent failure and the main lifting ram is positive drive up and down. Safety Locks are also raised in the intermediate and fully raised position to prevent any possibility of accidental lowering.

Electrical Systems

Electrical Systems are installed to IEE 18th Edition Regulations. Residual Current safety devices are installed on the mains distribution circuits and also the UPS distribution circuits, and an independent 3rd party test is carried out on every installation. Earth Plates and Earth Rods are provided to ensure good earth connections can be achieved during deployment.

Personal Safety

Personal safety features include LED Lighting on all steps, safety rails on stairs and balcony access, and karabiner safety rails recessed into the roof to assure safe working at height when deploying antennas and obstruction lights.

Testimonials


MATC are a responsive, flexible contractor. They enabled us to support the demands of our end user customer through program reviews, training, and product acceptance events.  At all stages we were kept informed on progress with regular project updates provided for the duration of the contract. MATC displayed excellent programme and risk management procedures throughout which kept this complex project on track.

The motive for purchasing the Mobile Air Traffic Control Tower was to provide all airports in Lithuania with a quick deployment back up ATC capability within SWIM enabled features by using common fibre links that have been installed at all Lithuanian international airports. Mobile ATC Systems were flexible so we (Oro Navigacija) were able to use in house facilities to integrate the MATC Cabin to meet our needs; this has worked very well for us.

Mobile ATC Systems Ltd helped us to carry out a complex shipment requirement from the manufacturer with a professional approach and good communications. Everything was done in a timely manner and there were no issues with the services we received. We would be happy to engage with Mobile ATC for future service needs.

MATC delivered three ORCs to UNICEF for outreach primary healthcare in Eritrea. Colin Chapman delivered end user training in Asmara to the Health Ministry and UNICEF personnel. Geoffrey Acaye, Chief of Child Survival and Development said “Thank you too for being so supportive in this phase of the project. We will certainly reach out to you for any further support whenever required. I am confident that this initial phase will stimulate the interest of the Government and donors to expand further”.

Accreditation


Airport Suppliers

Airport Suppliers

ISO 9001:2015 Certified

ISO 9001:2015 Certified

East Midlands Chamber of commerce

East Midlands Chamber of commerce

FAQ's


Why Use a 5th Wheel Trailer version of the Elevating VCR?

The 5th Wheel trailer provides a significant amount of extra storage and room to mount the generator. This means that the entire deployment can be done using a single trailer and prime mover.

Where is everything stored?

In addition to the large storage locker on the 5th Wheel Hitch Step there are a number of belly lockers on the trailer for storing antennas, stair rails, tool kits and antenna mounts. The main stairs are stored in a roller equipped locker close to where the fold down access stairs are which enables easy installation.

What is the maximum wind speed for operation?

The large trailers are designed to be operated at 3 heights, fully elevated, medium height and lowered. At the maximum height, the maximum wind speed calculations show wind speeds in excess of 100mph can be sustained. MATC advises each customer to do their own risk assessment based on local regulations for the risk of injury when entering and leaving the VCR during high wind speeds as this is a greater risk to operators than overturning.