The Gambian Civil Aviation Authority has awarded a contract to Systems Interface (SIL) of the United Kingdom to design, supply, install, and commission a replacement Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range (DVOR) and co-located Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) at Banjul International Airport in The Gambia.

A DVOR (Doppler VHF Omni Directional Range) is a short/medium-range radio navigation system that uses VHF (Very High Frequency) signals between 108.00 and 117.95 MHz sent from a radio beacon to assist aircraft in determining their flight position and direction in relation to their destination.

Pilots use the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) to determine the aircraft’s slant range from the DME ground station location.

The total amounts involved in the countract are not disclosed. SIL engineers will install a Selex 1150A DVOR and a Selex 1119A High Power DME in the meantime. The DVOR and DME will both have full remote control and monitoring systems, as well as remote maintenance and monitoring systems. The new DVOR/DME replaces the existing end-of-life equipment installed by SIL engineers in early 2003.

SIL will also supply and install a new fully insulated and air-conditioned Fibreglass (GRP) equipment shelter manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Throughout the contract, SIL will provide comprehensive Project Management services. The installation is set to begin in early February 2024 and end in early April 2024.

Systems appears to be well-versed in service contracts at the Banjul Airport. Arezki Group awarded Systems Interface a turnkey contract for the new Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Station at Banjul International Airport in 2016.

Systems Interface designed the bespoke crash alarm and radio system, as well as supplying, installing, and commissioning all equipment, while Arezki Group, the prime civil contractor for the end customer Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), completed all facility construction works.

Arezki Group awarded Systems Interface a contract in 2015 for the supply and installation of airfield lighting at Banjul International Airport. Apron Flood Lighting, Power Distribution System, Apron and Taxiway Edge Lighting, and Apron and Taxiway Signage were all supplied and installed by the company.