Voice for the defense: needing to replace its legacy crash-and-alarm system, Hurlburt Air Force Base chose new teleconferencing technology

Communications News,  June, 2004  

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Level 1: Blast from backup phone. Upon realizing the main phone is not working properly, command personnel can go to the backup phone and initiate the call.

Level 2: Blast from GUI screen. Upon realizing the main (or backup) phone is not working properly, "call initiator" can touch the "manual blast" button on the GUI and initiate the call.

Level 3: Auto reset status. In the event the GUI connection is lost, the system will "re-arm" itself automatically within two minutes to blast all and be ready for either the main or backup phone to initiate the call.

"Speed, reliability and user friendliness are most important to us," says Lt. Nicholas Anderson, responsible for Air Force Reserve Command and Special Operations. "The interface is really easy. You can see all calls as they are being made. You can see exactly who's picking up and who's not. The most important thing is the speed of the response."

The A.L.E.R.T. technology enhances command-control functions by increasing communication and control, according to Anderson. "The Forum crash system is more reliable and faster because of that. You have a lot of things going on at the flight line and in the tower, plus other functions, like programming support and telecommunications."

"This system supports Hurlburt's airfield operations with two-way telephones to the control tower, base operations, fire department and the medical center, as well as other critical components. We needed a system that was more reliable, one with an uptime rate of 100%," concurs Jones.

Adds Larson, "The people at Hurlburt are quite happy with the new system. With a little screen (7") and the small (miniature) computer that fits under the desk, it's non-intrusive. The system takes less space and the touch screen makes it more efficient. It provides the same functions, so it makes for an easy transition. People don't have to be trained. We now have a solution that is supportable and reliable."

Air Force personnel and Forum Communications management are working with the Air Force Flight Safety Agency to document the system standards and keep up with changing requirements. "Bases are asking for this solution," Larson says.

Turnkey installation of the system involved connecting to existing analog phone lines, providing the same functionality and dependability essential to flight safety communications. The control screen provides line status at a glance for all remote sites, or to select specific locations. Real-time status of all stations is readily visible. Color-coded GUI indicators emulate LEDs to convey status to the operator to identify active participants, and inactive, ringing or disconnected lines.

The system integrates modified ring-down circuits to assure rapid response time (200 milliseconds from touch on the GUI interface to ring all phones) up to five miles. Ring tones stop immediately when the first party answers, so clear, uninterrupted communication can begin without delay.