Systems Interface successfully completes multi-year HIAL DME Programme

Systems Interface is proud to announce the successful completion of a major multi-year programme for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), delivering new Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) systems at eight airports across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

The project has modernised critical navigation infrastructure at Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Sumburgh, helping to ensure the continued provision of safe, reliable air navigation services for some of the UK's most remote communities. These airports provide vital transport links, where dependable navigation systems capable of operating day and night, and in all weather conditions, are essential.

Delivered under a turnkey contract, Systems Interface was responsible for the complete design, installation, testing, commissioning and regulatory support for all eight DME systems, including achieving the necessary approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The programme has now been successfully completed, with all eight DME systems commissioned, handed over and fully operational. The final phase of the programme saw successful deployments at Sumburgh, Islay and Campbeltown, before the installation at Stornoway marked the successful completion of the project.

David Chandler, Sales and Business Development Director at Systems Interface commented: 

"Completing this programme across some of the most challenging airport locations in Europe is a fantastic achievement and reflects the expertise, commitment and teamwork of everyone involved. We are proud to have delivered all eight DME systems successfully and I would like to thank HIAL for their continued partnership."

Understanding DME
Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) uses the propagation delay of radio signals between an aircraft and a corresponding ground station to calculate the line-of-sight distance. The aircraft sends a signal to the ground station, the ground station responds with a signal back to the aircraft, the aircraft measures how long it takes for the signal to return and using the propagation delay, calculates its distance to the ground station.

About HIAL – Highlands and Islands Airport Limited
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) is a private limited company wholly owned by the Scottish Ministers and responsible for the management and operation of 11 regional airports located at Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick. 

Working with stakeholders, HIAL is committed to supporting the essential socio-economic role of aviation in Scotland by maintaining and developing the airports and the connections they provide for some of our country’s more remote communities.

Photo Credit: HIAL (Highlands & Islands Airports Limited)