World War II Airfield Gets a Modern VoIP Makeover

Northrop Grumman, a major security company, announced this week that its subsidiary, U.K.-based Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems, installed its future-proof Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) capable air traffic control communication system at IWM Duxford.

Grumman refurbished the Duxford Airfield tower with ED137-compliant IP- based voice communications system.  This marks the first United Kingdom site of installation for the Park Air S4 IP Controller, integral to the airfield’s facelift.  Although it is deployed in several non U.K. locations with great success diligent testing and development was necessary to conform to the Civil Aviation Authority’s safety regulations.

Charles Houseago, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems managing director proclaimed his excitement “to be able to work with IWM Duxford to upgrade their communication system.” 

Image via IWM Duxford

IWM Duxford is an historic site, having served as an active airfield in both the first and second World Wars. Today it hosts the American Air Museum and invites people to flash back to the beginning of the 20th century with its hands-on interactive exhibitions, air shows and various events.  Even though it was built in 1918, it is still in regular use today. 

IWM Duxford’s Head of Airfield and Security, Helen Holiday, could not have been happier with Grumman’s renovations to the airfield's system.  She noted, “May I say how very impressed I have been with the attention, cooperation, and willingness of all parties involved…to ensure a seamless transition.”

It is no coincidence that one of the museum’s sponsors is Northrop Grumman.  Because of its sponsorship, teachers from both the U.K. and the U.S. through exploration are able to gain a hands-on perspective of World War II history, especially the engineering and technology behind the men in the air.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company with a great appreciation and pride in what it does.  Holiday stated, “I can’t praise the Park Air team enough in the professionalism, and commitment to this project.  It has been a pleasure working with them and they are truly great ambassadors to the organization.”   

Edited by Alisen Downey