Secure networking infrastructure delivers voice and data platform for ground and air operations
 
Lichfield – 16 December, 2010. Europe’s leading expert in communications services, NextiraOne, has won a €1.5M contract with Babcock International Group in the UK to build the communications that will connect AirTanker’s team and underpin the flying operations for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme at the company’s base at RAF Brize Norton.

AirTanker is a UK company created in 2008 to provide the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme to the UK Ministry of Defence over 27 years. The programme will deliver a new air-to-air refuelling and air transport capability to the Royal Air Force, using 14 specially converted aircraft based on the A330-200 commercial airliner. AirTanker will also provide the associated support services for the aircraft, including infrastructure, training, maintenance, fleet management and ground services. The FSTA programme is running on schedule and the first aircraft is due to be delivered to the RAF towards the end of 2011. 

Babcock has been contracted by AirTanker to build and support AirTanker’s new infrastructure at RAF Brize Norton, which includes a two-bay hangar and support building. Following a stringent competitive tender, NextiraOne has been appointed by Babcock to design, implement and support the complete new communications infrastructure for the new buildings.

NextiraOne’s solution includes voice and data communications, comprising four discrete networks supported over a single structured cabling solution and a separate secure network supported over fibre. The discrete networks allow a range of security levels, ensuring that voice and data traffic is handled with the appropriate levels of security from unclassified to classified, restricted and secret. The communications infrastructure will also support all of AirTanker’s flight operational software, including flight planning and scheduling to enable worldwide air-to-air refuelling and air transport missions.

NextiraOne will implement the technology solution and cabling to create the secure network infrastructure and will maintain the network under a five-year support agreement.

Dennis Fielding, Babcock’s Programme Manager said: “This is a critical project where the ability of the communications systems to deliver data reliably and to maintain absolute security where necessary is of paramount importance. NextiraOne had the right level of technological know-how and experience and were able to submit a cost-effective quote for the work. Their experience in similarly sensitive projects was also of great value.”

Steven Skakel, General Manager, NextiraOne UK, said: “The FSTA demands the highest levels of security and reliability for its communications infrastructure. NextiraOne has extensive experience in delivering, operating and supporting such mission-critical networks and we pride ourselves on our robust, reliable and secure services.”