Press Release |
Advanced Airfield Light Monitoring System for Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi International Airport joins the growing number of airports who are turning to TMS Photometrics (http://www.tmsphotometrics.com) - a world leader in the mobile photometric measurement and management of Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) systems.
Coventry UK, October 11th 2005. TMS Photometrics, in association with UAE based Data Processing Systems LLC, have successfully implemented new MALMS technology, an advanced and proven airport light measuring technologies and maintenance methodology, at Abu Dhabi International Airport, UAE.
The airport is now employing TMS Photometrics' unique Mobile Airfield Light Monitoring System (MALMS) to regularly measure the performance of its safety critical runway lighting services against the criteria defined by ICAO. The airport has also introduced associated products and services from TMS Photometrics, including a MALMS Photometric Bench and training in the Differential Maintenance programme, which support the efficient and effective maintenance of runway services.
In adopting the new maintenance technology and strategy, Abu Dhabi International Airport has joined the growing ranks of airports that have recognised that highly variable AGL system performance and high maintenance costs can no longer be considered acceptable. By purchasing MALMS, it has turned to proven technology that offers an easy to use solution to the airport's need to undertake regular and accurate photometric measurements of both inset and elevated AGL runway services, as now recommended by ICAO. And, by employing Differential Maintenance, the airport is now in a position to effectively maintain its AGL system to the performance objectives as specified by ICAO, and achieve this efficiently
Vernon Taylor, managing director of TMS Photometrics, which is a division of Tailor Made Systems Ltd, adds, "The ongoing experience of existing users throughout the world has proven that MALMS enables airports to effectively monitor compliance with ICAO Standards, an important factor in maintaining safety and Landing Success Rates. Moreover, when the system is employed within a Differential Maintenance Approach, it has been shown that performance standards can be maintained while maintenance manpower and material resource waste are minimised, and overall maintenance spending and AGL life cycle costs reduced."
MALMS can provide automated and mobile photometric measurement, which is accurate, repeatable and reliable, and achieve this easily and safely under operational conditions, because every factor that can affect mobile measurement on an airfield has been carefully and rigorously assessed, understood and addressed. The result is a sophisticated combination of mechanical, electronic, optical and software systems, where each feature has been incorporated to either meet a functional law of physics or to meet the requirements of ease of use, accuracy and compliance with ICAO standard.
Moreover, MALMS can be set up and used by a single operator, who requires no special training, and can undertake complete runway measurement runs, including system set up and moving away from the runway after measurement, in under 4 minutes. With its advanced capabilities, MALMS can both efficiently and effectively replace traditional AGL performance monitoring methods, which are typically inaccurate and incomplete.
The MALMS system purchased by Abu Dhabi incorporates a custom built trailer, high accuracy light sensor array, position sensor array, navigation module, rugged communications network, touch screen data collection system and the PC based MALMS Office Data Analysis System for data storage, analysis and output. The MALMS Photometric Bench provides for the on-site testing of fittings prior to their return to service. Differential Maintenance is a proven preventative maintenance regime that employs routine photometric measurement to rapidly pinpoint lighting degradation problems, and then uses this data to effectively target, prioritise and monitor maintenance activity.
ENDS
Background Information
TMS Photometrics is a division of Tailor Made Systems Ltd, and is based in Coventry, UK. The Mobile Airfield Light Monitoring System (MALMS) is the result of an extensive research program commissioned by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, and conducted in conjunction with the MOD and DERA.
This research firstly confirmed that due to a variety of factors (current variation, lamp aging, unpredictable contamination build up), traditional light performance monitoring (visual observation, spot readings with light meters and primary current measurement) and maintenance practices (such as block change and spot replacement approaches) are no longer sufficient to maintain systems within the new standards set by ICAO and advised by the FAA. It also proved (confirming ICAO and FAA recommendations) that to effectively meet performance level objectives, requires a combination of using a mobile measuring unit on a routine basis to analyse the characteristics of individual lights, and the adoption of new preventive maintenance approaches.
MALMS has been specifically developed as a mobile system that can easily, rapidly, accurately, and reliably, measure the photometric performance of both inset and elevated AGL runway services (Runway Centre Line, TDZ, Inset and Elevated Edge, Inset Approach) against the criteria for beam intensity and orientation defined in ICAO Annex 14, using the test methodology that Annex 14 specifies. It is therefore suitable to confirm compliance with National and International Standards. MALMS also produces routine reports and detailed graphical information for use by airfield engineering and maintenance staff.
However, while measurement can demonstrate compliance, or lack of it, it cannot ensure compliance. To effectively deliver this requires an integrated maintenance approach. Differential Maintenance, which has also been developed by TMS, in association with the UK CAA and supporting UK aerodromes, is now proven to provide such a regime. This approach enables serviceability levels to be maintained in an effective and efficient manner.
MALMS and the Differential Maintenance strategy are now being regularly employed in airports worldwide; from London Heathrow and throughout Europe, to the Middle East, Far East, Australia and North America.
For more information contact;
Vernon Taylor, Tailor Made Systems Ltd, Barclays Venture Centre, University of Warwick Science Park, Coventry UK, CV4 7EZ, Tel +44 (0)24 7641 7421, Fax +44(0)24 7669 2312, Email: sales@tmsphotometrics.com, website:http://www.tmsphotometrics.com
or
Andrew Lee-Mortimer,
Tel 0161 740 6065, email; andrew@lee-mortimer.prestel.co.uk
