In a first for RAAF air shows, a radio interface system (RIS) extended the communication capability between air traffic controllers and aircraft during the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023.
The integrated battlefield communication network (IBTN) system dramatically improves the quality and reliability of communications between controllers and aircraft by converting radio audio to secure internet protocol streams – used by the IBTN voice services – supporting up to six radios.
Corporal Travis Potts, of 1 Combat Communications Squadron (1CCS), based at RAAF Base Williamtown, said there were significant benefits in using a RIS.
“What this system provides is the ability for aircraft to communicate back to Williamtown Air Traffic Control as if they were communicating directly from the base,” Corporal Potts said.
“The main advantage of the RIS is that you can use multiple radio networks without being in the physical location of their broadcast.
“We have the ability to put the antenna wherever we get the best reception. They no longer have to be geographically located around the radio or antenna – this is extremely important when our networks need to be agile and self-healing.”
Flight Commander 1CCS Williamtown Squadron Leader Brett Saint said to achieve the successful outcome, squadron members had to think outside the box.
“The team performed well beyond their baseline training and delivered a solution unique to the Air Force use-case. By using Starlink to connect to multiple dispersed antenna, they gave the air show controller greater flexibility and improved situational awareness,” Squadron Leader Saint said.
“The potential of the RIS as a defence communications capability moving forward cannot be underestimated.
“We can deliver a radio to an operator’s desk in Williamtown and have it transmit on an antenna deployed anywhere in the world. It’s changing the shape of how we deliver tactical communications in the future.”
