FREQUENTIS upgrades voice communication system at DFS upper airspace control centre

Frequentis completed significant upgrades to the voice communication system (VCS) at DFS’s upper airspace control centre (UAC) in Karlsruhe, ensuring seamless and secure operations through to 2035. This milestone builds on the long-standing partnership between Frequentis and DFS. The UAC Karlsruhe is crucial in managing Germany’s upper airspace, starting at 7,500 meters, ensuring the safe and efficient flow of high-altitude air traffic for both national and international flights. 

“Frequentis has once again proven to be a reliable partner in supporting DFS’s mission-critical operations. With the upgraded VCS at UAC Karlsruhe, we are equipped to meet today’s operational requirements and positioned to address future challenges with confidence,” says Alexander Reith, Head of Radio and Voice Communication Services, DFS. 

The system, initially delivered in 2017, is based on the Frequentis VCS3020X platform, designed to meet DFS’s demanding air traffic management (ATM) requirements. The 2024 upgrade includes updated hardware for 150 working positions in both the main and backup systems, ensuring high performance and reliability. New role delegation allows seamless collaboration between 4 DFS centres (Langen, Munich, Bremen, Karlsruhe), while enhanced cybersecurity strengthens system protection. The virtualisation of the technical management and control system (TMCS) boosts efficiency, and the integration of SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) servers enables the system for modern VoIP communications. 

Frequentis and DFS have been collaborating for over 35 years, with Frequentis providing a range of air traffic management solutions, including voice communication and surveillance systems. 

“Frequentis is proud to contribute to the continued success of DFS, supporting its mission to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable airspace management across Germany and beyond,” says Reinhard Grimm, Executive Vice President ATM at Frequentis.