On 3 May, dBD Communications celebrated its 15th anniversary in business. The communications specialist started out from humble beginnings at the home of founders David and Amanda O’Connell, and this summer it moved from three satellite buildings into the one large facility at Nobel Square in Basildon as part of its ongoing programme of expansion
Today, dBD Communications continues to support the airport ground services industry, explains marketing manager Aline Hawkins, with its portfolio of short-range wireless intercom products that can assist with ramp operations ranging from pushback activity to engineering maintenance.
dBD Communications’ Minerva solution offers users untethered communications around the aircraft, with ranges exceeding 150m. It supports both single- and two-man pushback operations.
The headset is worn by th
e tug driver in a single-man operation. With a marshal involved in a two-man operation, hand signals are exchanged between the marshal and driver, while the pilot can also be communicated with via the wireless headset. This is a new concept of operations and allows freedom of movement around the tug and aircraft, Hawkins explains.
During training, wireless headsets allow trainers to listen in and act if interception is needed. They usually stand off so as not to intimidate the student.
Systems such as Minerva promote pushback safety without the need for potentially obstructive wires. It has a 24-hour battery life and can be integrated with back-to-back radio.
In addition to this, dBD also has a product portfolio ideal for de-icing operations, Hawkins informs, with the systems supporting anything from 2 to 16 users through open mic duplex communications that ensure timely and efficient processes.
De-icing rigs and the operational controller thereby have the ability to talk together at the same time in an open mic environment. When needed, the pilot can also communicate via VHF embedded into the system. Plus, the controller can talk back to the pilot with a PTT (Press To Talk) function on their headset and the rest of the team can listen in to the radio traffic.
dBD communications will be at inter airport in Munich, on Stand 1634, Hall A5.
