Frequentis Installs Seventieth Voice Switch for the US Army

The US Army and Frequentis have successfully installed the 3020X Voice Communication System (VCS) for the Butts Army Airfield at Fort Carson, CO; this is now the 70th army installation to date and has been installed, tested and deployed without affecting operations or service continuity.

The Frequentis VCS is a drop-in upgrade performed under a multi-year FAA contract. Under the contract, Frequentis has been replacing the US Army’s Enhanced Terminal Voice Switch (ETVS) and Small Tower Voice Switch (STVS) systems at Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs) and radar approach control facilities across the US since 2015. The system provides enhanced resilience for voice communications and improved efficiency through the streamlining of air traffic control workflows.

Frequentis’ VCS3020X product line incorporates a future-proof design including Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networking technology, using the latest Air Traffic Control specification ED-137 for IP-based air ground radio voice communications, as well as unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operation based on the latest requirements.

“The US Army requires 24/7 communication for its safety-critical operations so upgrades or changes can be seen as a challenge. By successfully completing installation, acceptance, and operational use of the 70th voice communication system with zero downtime we were able to meet the demands of the US Army,” said Leonard Swiontek, president, Frequentis USA. “We are proud of our employees who continue to support our military customers, despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to working with the US Army on future installations and ensuring the highest quality voice communications possible for air traffic control.”

Over 190 systems have been installed to date under the FAA contract, providing award-winning VCS solutions for the FAA partner, and complete system production, test, installation, cutover and maintenance support. In 2017 Frequentis won the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) industry award for projects including delivery of the largest Army terminal voice communication system for Fort Rucker.

At its headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, Frequentis USA, Inc. designs, builds, integrates and provides round-the-clock support for communications systems, ATC legal recording, and information systems for the FAA, NASA, the Department of Defense, and Public Safety organizations in state and local governments.