News

Systems Interface Ltd is proud to announce the successful completion of the initial Subsequent Contract under its major framework agreement with the Romanian Government.

Following an international competitive tender, Systems Interface entered into a framework contract with ROMTEHNICA, the government’s foreign defence trade organisation, for the turnkey delivery of 13 Dual Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) systems.

In July 2025, Subsequent Contract No. 1 saw the delivery, installation, and successful testing of seven NDB systems—on schedule and to specification. The project scope covered complete site infrastructure, including equipment shelters, power backup systems, telecommunications facilities, antennas, and masts.

The solution is built around the Nautel VR125S-RD-B 125W NDB, supplied by long-term Systems Interface partner Nautel. Each installation is supported by a comprehensive logistics package encompassing spares, installation, commissioning, and training. Demonstrating confidence in system reliability, Systems Interface has provided a 10-year warranty for all units delivered.

An NDB is a low frequency radio transmitter that transmits a signal of equal strength in all directions. NDBs are often associated with Non-Precision Approach procedures. The signal contains a coded element which is used for station identification. Automatic Direction Finding (ADF) equipment on board aircraft uses bearings from NDBs for navigation purposes.

The success of this phase is the result of close collaboration, technical expertise, and the commitment of the entire project team. 

“We thank the entire workforce for their dedication and teamwork throughout the entire process which enabled us to overcome the challenges positively. Our gratitude extends to all other stakeholders that made this project possible” commented Emma Tappenden, Operations and Projects Director of Systems Interface. 

Systems Interface is now focused on delivering the remaining systems under the framework agreement, with completion expected in the coming months.

About RoAF (The Romanian Air Force)
The Romanian Air Force, with a tradition spanning over a century, represents a vital component of the national defence system. Its primary mission is the protection of Romania’s airspace, the support of joint military operations, and active participation in international missions and exercises within the framework of NATO. The current organizational structure encompasses advanced capabilities in air combat, strategic airlift, reconnaissance, surveillance, and medium to long-range air defence, complemented by command-and-control centres fully interoperable with allied systems.

In the context of a complex regional security environment, the Air Force is undergoing an accelerated modernization process through significant investments in infrastructure, the integration of state-of-the-art technologies, and the transition to fifth-generation combat platforms. Through sustained operational presence, rapid reaction capabilities, and steadfast commitment to Euro-Atlantic partners, the Romanian Air Force remains a guarantor of national security and a key contributor to NATO’s collective defence.

Photo Credit: Romanian Air Force (Forțele Aeriene Române)

Systems Interface Ltd has been awarded a contract to deliver a key upgrade to the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Donegal Airport, enhancing operational safety and reliability during low-visibility approaches. The project includes the supply, installation, commissioning, training, and flight calibration of the new systems.

The delivered equipment includes a new Localiser (LOC) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), replacing systems originally installed by Systems Interface in 2010. These systems are essential for precision landings in adverse weather conditions. Systems Interface will also support the development of the safety case in line with EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) regulations.

“Having delivered the original system, we had in-depth knowledge of Donegal’s airfield systems. This positioned us perfectly to implement a cost-effective upgrade by reusing existing infrastructure and avoiding unnecessary civil works,” commented David Chandler, Sales and Business Development Director at Systems Interface. 

The ILS provides approach guidance via two key components: the Localiser (LOC), which transmits lateral signals to align the aircraft with the runway centreline, and the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), which calculates the aircraft’s distance to the runway by measuring the time delay of radio signals exchanged with a ground station. 

The upgraded system is expected to become fully operational during 2025, reinforcing Donegal Airport’s commitment to safe and efficient regional air service.

About Donegal Airport
Donegal Airport is a strategically important regional hub, handling over 50,000 passengers annually. It offers vital connectivity through twice-daily flights to Dublin and a growing seasonal route to Glasgow. Internationally recognised for its dramatic coastal location, Donegal has been voted the world’s most scenic airport landing multiple times. It serves as a key economic and tourism gateway to Ireland’s rugged and remote North-West.

Photo Credit: Aerfort Dhún na nGall | Donegal Airport

Systems Interface Ltd has signed a contract to design, deliver, install, and commission an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) at Aéroport de Beyla (Beyla Airport) in south-eastern Guinea. The project includes the provision of all related services and features key equipment supplied by Systems Interface’s delivery partner, Campbell Scientific.

The delivered solution will provide 2 weather stations located near the runway touchdown zones.  The AWOS system comprises of sensors to accurately measure meteorological factors including wind, pressure, temperature, humidity, cloud height and rainfall.  Present weather is measured by infra-red sensors that measures precipitation and visibility by accurately determining the size and velocity of water droplets in the air. 

The weather stations are connected to the tower where dual redundant server systems deliver the key data to two operator positions and an engineering location that also continuously monitors the health of the whole system.

An Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) is integrated into the solution.  The ATIS broadcasts key information to aircraft, via synthesised voice, these messages are automatically transferred from the AWOS system utilising a Voice Over IP (VoIP) audio interface. 

“The automated weather system deployed at Beyla airport will deliver accurate, dependable and real-time critical weather data, allowing timely and informed decisions to be made by the airspace users”, commented David Chandler, Sales and Business Development Director at Systems Interface. 

About Beyla Airport (ICAO: GUBE)
Beyla Airport is located in Nzerekore, Guinea (9 km / 5.6 miles west of Beyla) at the foot of the Simandou mountain range. Beyla Airport is undergoing significant expansion to cater for increased traffic due to major mining developments in the region.

Photo Credit: iStock | sharply_done

In a multi-year contract signed with HIAL (Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd), Systems Interface will deploy Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) at 8 airports across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. These airports provide critical transport services to some of the UK’s remotest communities. Dependable navigation systems that work day and night and in all weather conditions are therefore crucial to maintaining these key links. 

Under the terms of the contract 4 systems will be deployed in 2025, with the remaining 4 systems deployed in the following year. Systems Interface will be responsible for the turn-key operation of the systems including the support to achieve the necessary regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

David Chandler, Sales and Business Development Director at Systems Interface commented: “These systems will be deployed at some of the most challenging airport locations in Europe.  Through previous deliveries to HIAL, the Systems Interface project delivery team fully understand the complexities of the programme and are committed to achieving the agreed in-service delivery targets on schedule.”

The DME systems will be deployed at Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Sumburgh.

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 our 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)

Systems Interface Ltd has completed the installation, commissioning and flight check of Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range (DVOR) and co-located Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) for the GCAA at Banjul International Airport in The Gambia.

Following an international tender, Systems Interface was contracted to complete the turnkey provision of these essential systems. Initially this included the site survey, detailed system design, and coverage analysis. Following the de-commissioning of the existing equipment, Systems Interface installed and commissioned the new equipment. Finally, a flight calibration check was carried out to verify the precision of the installed system.
The DVOR and DME combined deliver precise bearing and distance information to suitably equipped aircraft, allowing pilots to safely navigate when approaching Banjul.

“Having installed the previous DVOR/DME over 20 years ago, we appreciate that once again GCAA invested its trust in Systems Interface to deliver, it demonstrates our incredible project delivery capability”, commented David Chandler, Sales and Business Development Director at Systems Interface.

About Banjul International Airport (BIA)
Banjul International Airport (BIA), also known as Yundum International Airport, is the main international airport serving the capital city of Banjul in The Gambia, a West African country. Located in Yundum, approximately 25 kilometres southeast of Banjul, BIA serves as the primary gateway for both domestic and international air travel to and from The Gambia.

Photo Credit: Freelance Photographer | Salvador Aznar 
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/aznar | www.s-aznarfotografo.com