Welcome - Why MALMS

MALMS (Mobile Airfield Light Monitoring System), from TMS Photometrics, is a prime example of the mobile photometric technology now recommended by the ICAO, UK CAA and FAA as the only effective means of determining the true performance of an AGL system. This technology was originated and employed as part of the major research programme into AGL performance monitoring and maintenance methods for operational runways, sponsored by the UK CAA.   Based on this experience, the present MALMS system now offers a product that can accurately, repeatedly, rapidly and easily measure the performance of AGL installations, both inset and elevated, against the criteria for beam intensity and orientation defined by ICAO standards and using the test methodology that the ICAO specifies.   As well as identifying and locating any defective fittings, MALMS also produces routine reports and detailed graphical information for use by airfield engineering and maintenance staff.   This data can further be used to confirm compliance with National and International Standards.

With MALMS, every factor that can affect mobile measurement on an airfield, including the measurement technique itself, the specification and calibration of the devices, the driving quality and operator activity, 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.

As a result MALMS is able to offer clear advantages:

Ease of use
MALMS is built onto a specially designed trailer, and from the start this offers many 'ease of operation' benefits.   In fact, the system can be easily set up and used by a single operator, who requires no special training or computer literacy, just the ability to drive. MALMS can be attached to any airport vehicle with a towing facility, and so there is no cumbersome and time-consuming attachment process. Set up and configuration to measure a wide range of fittings from inset taxiway to elevated edge fittings is extremely easy and quick, and requires No tools - so removing the possibility of leaving tools airside. It employs an intuitive touch screen data logger, so enabling its use by all staff - even those with little computer skills - and minimising training requirements. The system also incorporates extensive automatic data verification algorithms and real time driver guidance help to ensure data accuracy is maintained without the need for special driving skills, or for deep concentration on keeping the vehicle in the right position. Once the run starts, the operator simply has to drive down the runway, following the lights.

 

Rapid Measurement
With airport runway access time often limited, photometric measurement runs need to be completed as quickly as possible.   MALMS will operate when towed at speeds in excess of 80 Km/h, without any degradation in accuracy.   When this capability is combined with the system's ease of set up, the result is that a typical measurement run, including system set up and moving away from the runway after measurement, can be completed in under 4 minutes. As a result the system can be regularly used, safely, at even the busiest airports.

Extreme Accuracy and Repeatability
Crucially, MALMS' speed, versatility and ease of operation are not paid for in measurement accuracy. For instance, extremely accurate measurements of the key criteria of Average Beam Intensity are achieved because MALMS incorporates a number of key configuration and design features that significantly reduce the main sources of measurement error. The sensor array's configuration and size has been optimised, using extensive computer simulation to provide both extremely good beam coverage, even when driving is not perfect, and to take measurements from as far from the light source as practically possible. Short measurement distances can significantly increase error factors. Also, instead of assuming the course driven is perfect, which would lead to potentially significant calculation errors, MALMS incorporates complex algorithms that accurately determine the track traveled. Automatically compensating for driver error or rejecting data achieves repeatability.

Robust and Reliable
MALMS has been specifically designed to enable the operator to easily get it right, while at the same time preventing the operator from making mistakes. The system also has high mechanical strength to meet airside requirements, and the routine use by unskilled operatives, while a robust stainless steel construction provides for long life.

Ease of Support
The MALMS system has been developed so that TMS Photometrics can provide effective worldwide support from its base in the UK. The inbuilt diagnostics, modular system design and the global internet makes this approach feasible.

Low Whole Life Costs
MALMS' ease of use, accuracy, reliability and robustness deliver long term benefits that result in lower whole life costs.

For more details please download our Technical Merits document.