Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

TMD S band transmitter helps Scottish air traffic control cut CO2

TMD Technologies has completed its PTX7602 S band transmitter for delivery to NATS-NSL for the new Kincardine radar installation in Fife. This additional primary radar for Glasgow International airport is being built to avoid interference to air traffic control from the 140 turbines planned for ScottishPower's new wind farm at Whitelee.

As well as helping the wind farm to gain approval to be built, the radar system has another green benefit: TMD's transmitter uses 30 per cent less energy than other designs.

"By making use of our advanced travelling wave tubes, we are able to reduce power consumption considerably compared with solid state devices of a similar type," said TMD sales director Graham H Brown.

Another advantage of the 40 kV PTX7602 is that it uses silicon based encapsulation for insulation rather than oil in its high voltage sections. This provides increased safety and convenience for the operator as well as being environmentally friendly.

TMD's extensive experience in the development and manufacture of high performance transmitters for aerospace applications, where space is at a premium, has resulted in an extremely compact and modular design.

Unlike previous TWT (travelling wave tube) based systems, the power supply for the new PTX7602 is built up of a series of separate in-service line replacement units (LRUs) combined within a standard 19 inch rack.

At the heart of the transmitter is TMD's PT6055 S band TWT which, combining high efficiency, reliability and long life, has proved an outstanding success in Watchman radars worldwide. The PT6055 also offers the advantages of predictable managed power with reliable through life support and reduced total life cycle costs when compared with solid state alternatives.

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Photo caption:

TMD Technologies' PTX7602 S band transmitter for the new Kincardine air traffic control tower will help prevent carbon dioxide emissions.

Notes for editors:

ScottishPower's Whitelee wind farm will consist of 140 wind turbines generating a total of 322 MW - sufficient to provide electricity to virtually every home in Glasgow. When completed, the generated power will prevent the emission of over 650 000 tons of carbon dioxide every year from the fossil fuels which would otherwise have been burned.

TMD Technologies is one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of specialised transmitters for radar and electronic warfare applications, high voltage power supplies and microwave tubes. The multiple Queen's Award winning company also produces a range of advanced commercial microwave amplifiers for EMC testing and scientific applications.

Ref: TMD107
Date: 17 December 2007

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or

Heather Skinner
TMD Technologies
Tel: +44 (0)20 8581 5002
Fax: +44 (0)20 8581 5012
Email: heather.skinner@tmd.co.uk
Web: www.tmd.co.uk
TMD Technologies Limited, Unit 3, Swallowfield Way, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 1DQ, UK