Modern civilian and military airports are extremely busy transport interfaces, with tight departure windows and slim margins for error. Although the public perception of a plane crash involves a critical in-air failure or emergency landing, most crashes between aircraft or other vehicles take place on the ground. Even a minor collision has the potential to be extremely damaging, closing down runways, and causing extensive damage, lengthy delays, and flight cancellations.
Crash alarms provide instant communication between an ATC tower and the relevant emergency response authorities, helping to contain and control emergency situations and reduce the hazard to property and life associated with crashes.
What Is A Crash Alarm System And How Does It Work?
Airport crash alarm systems are dedicated emergency alert systems used to quickly communicate during major incidents, including aircraft crashes and other critical emergencies in the airport. As soon as an alert is raised, the alarm system facilitates instant and direct communication from the ATC tower to emergency response teams, including the fire department, airport medical teams, and rescue units, coordinating rapid deployment at the incident site.
Many ATC crash alarm systems include one-touch activation for alerts, direct voice communication lines, and integration with various alert mechanisms – such as sirens and strobes – for a rapid emergency response. Many systems can be initiated simply by pressing a button on the ATCO’s desk, not only triggering visual and audible alarms, but also shutting down appliances and triggering emergency doors to open.
Adaptability By Design
Our Copperchase Hotline 6 System, for example, provides instant access direct line telephone communication, allowing the ATC tower to make six simultaneous calls from the controller when the handset is lifted. The system can be configured to your needs, deciding who gets the calls, who can speak, and who listens – this personalisation ensures that critical information is directly presented where it is needed most, without any delays in critical situations.
The devices located away from the main control unit connect using an RJ45 cable and E&M (Ear & Mouth) signal method. This method uses separate electrical signals to control the call setup, continuation, and disconnection, from the actual voice path. This maximises call quality and reduces the chance of data loss or interference in emergency situations.
The system can also be adapted to work with other types of connections or systems your airport might need, including FXS, FXO and AC15 circuits, by using special external interface adapters.
Find Out More
To find out more about our crash alarm systems and how our solutions can be adapted to the risk profile and infrastructure of your airport, please get in touch with one of our experienced ATC systems specialists today by clicking here.
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