Dependable, Yet Solar/Wind Powered

The US Air Force has decided to use ARINC to develop two remote Very High Frequency (VHF) air/ground radio stations in central Alaska. The project will improve voice communications over two sections of the Air Force's huge Pacific Alaskan Range Complex (PARC), which covers some 67,000 square miles.

Because electricity is not available, the facilities will need to include alternative energy sources-either wind or solar-to power the transmitting and receiving electronics.

One of the new VHF station locations has been specified by the Air Force: Snowy Peak, located north of the Yukon River about 150 miles east of Fairbanks. The station at this site will improve radio coverage of the Yukon MOA. The second station will serve the Fox MOA, about 100 miles south of Fairbanks. The precise location for the second transceiver station will be determined after engineering surveys. One or more repeater stations may also be needed to relay signals to the new remote sites.

"ARINC is proud to help the Air Force add new, reliable radio coverage that will extend their communications envelope," stated Walter "Bud" Elsaesser of ARINC Global Maintenance Services. "We have designed and installed more than 1,000 air/ground radio stations around the world, including stations on Russian mountaintops using solar electric power and deep cycle batteries for year-round operation."

Creating An Alaskan Comm Network

The new stations will join four older VHF air/ground radio facilities on a network operated by the 353rd Combat Training Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base outside Fairbanks. One of ARINC's subcontractors for the work is Alaska Weather Operations Services, Inc.

"We have a long and successful relationship with Alaska Weather Operations Services," stated Mr. Elsaesser. "AWOS provides maintenance and installation as well as shelter construction for our varied needs in Alaska. Their local knowledge and proven environmental concern, as well as their history of shelter construction for the Alaska environment are unrivaled."

Alaska has more private and small commercial aviators per capita than any other state, and maintaining the safety of flight during military exercises is an important consideration. When air and ground exercises are held at PARC, the Air Force's VHF voice radio system broadcasts advisories and provides aircraft position information for both military and civilian aircraft.

FMI: www.arinc.com