SAWS acquires new Doppler weather radar system

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31 March 2010 News

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) recently commissioned the first installation of its national radar expansion and upgrade programme comprising 10 long range fixed system Doppler (S-band) and two short range mobile weather radars (X-band) – the latter intended for use at the major airports at OR Tambo and Cape Town International.

Given the specialised nature and the scope of the project, SAWS secured the services of SSI to assist with the management and procurement of the project and equipment, from conceptualisation, through implementation to commissioning. Through this partnership, the SAWS embarked on a quality-based tender process with emphasis on securing a contractor who would be able to provide a full turnkey solution.

Recently commissioned at Irene, Gauteng, the first of 10 long range weather radar installations for SAWS, with the project team in the foreground. (Left to right) Marco Lammerding (SAAB), Simon Lechtman (SSI), Eric Tshwele (SSI), Hennie Austin (SAAB), Koos van der Merwe (SAAB), Georgie George (SAWS), Jan Blackie (SAWS) and Ernst Vermeulen (SAAB)

SSI is a black empowered, multidisciplinary consultancy that tailors solutions for clients involved in infrastructure development. Its staff complement numbers more than 900, operating from offices in South Africa as well as beyond its borders in several other African countries.” Its majority shareholder is the DHV Group, one of Europe’s leading engineering firms with representation in 30 countries.

SAAB Security and Aviation Systems, a division of Saab Grintek Defence, was chosen to design, supply, deliver, construct, commission and install all of the 12 new weather radar systems and associated equipment. The radar systems procured are from the German-based Gematronik Weather Radar Systems, a subsidiary of Selex Sistemi Integrati.

In order to commission as many systems as possible in preparation for the Soccer World Cup, the manufacturers have committed to supply no less than five radar systems before June 2010. With the help of its partners and stakeholders, the SAWS aims to have these five systems operational before the kick-off of the World Cup.

The project team successfully commissioned one of the S-band units at Irene, while both of the mobile X-band units have been field tested with the assistance of the South African Air Force at its site in Valhalla, Pretoria.

For more information contact Robin Hayes, SSI, +27 (0)11 798 6522.

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SAWS acquires new Doppler weather radar system

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