Rohde & Schwarz was selected for the Belgian Ministry of Defense RAPCON program and will deliver its R&S VCS-4G voice communications system (VCS) to the three main military airbases in Belgium (Beauvechain, Florennes and Kleine-Brogel).

The new VCS systems chosen at the beginning of 2013 are built on IP technology. The operational scenario for each airbase includes ground-air communications using fixed and multi-frequency radios, ground-ground telephony using analog hotline and dial-up telephone lines, and intercom facilities between operator positions.

To protect existing infrastructure investments, telephony and radio gateways will be deployed to interconnect with government-supplied equipment such as analog PABX and radio stations with analog audio interfaces. In addition, right from the start R&S VCS-4G provides the necessary infrastructure for smooth and seamless migration to IP-based software defined radios in the near future.

By selecting Rohde & Schwarz technology, the Belgian Ministry of Defense will receive a state-of-the-art, future-ready VCS solution. The fully EUROCAE ED-137 compliant R&S VCS-4G system represents the first step in migrating the customer to next-generation communications solutions. The implementation of IP-based R&S VCS-4G systems for the RAPCON program is the starting point for replacing legacy analog lines with the latest IP technology for both voice and data services such as meteorological systems.

Voice over IP (VoIP) in line with EUROCAE ED-137 is the upcoming communications technology for ATC, replacing the obsolete TDM-based systems. The fully IP-based R&S VCS-4G voice communications system adheres to this standard. Rohde & Schwarz added the R&S VCS-4G state-of-the-art solution to its ATC portfolio in the spring of 2011.

The R&S VCS-4G features a fully redundant design with a large number of interfaces to external systems such as a voice recording system and telephone lines. Due to its unique architecture, the system is scalable and can be easily expanded without replacing existing equipment. R&S VCS-4G features next-generation ATC requirements such as asset sharing, facility consolidation, geographical distribution and a virtual center, effectively supporting the efficiency and safety objectives of global aviation.