This test concluded October 10th and sets the stage for actual site installation by Quintron technicians during October and November at the Delta IV Remote Launch Control Center at Vandenberg AFB in California. This system will allow parallel testing with other VAFB range assets and to ensure final active mission support success for upcoming critical launches.
The Delta IV system includes 67 of the new 2RU touch screen user station, with three configured with the optional Expansion Panel for display/access of up to 60 active voice keys. In addition, six more user stations will be the Thin Client type with separate desktop touch screen display, also supporting up to 60 active voice keys.
David Wilhite, president and chief operating officer at Quintron, said, “This is a major milestone for any new system development like the contract with ULA. Also, the ability of the Quintron team to not only design and produce three completely new user stations, but also to introduce several major new software features in less than six months is a tremendous tribute to not only the Quintron technical staff, but also the design maturity of the DICES VoIP product line. I don’t believe any other product or company could have accomplished so much in so little time to provide a true Range-class VoIP solution.”
The second of four planned DICES VoIP systems for ULA will be installed in the December 2013 to January 2014 timeframe in support of Atlas V launches, also from VAFB. This system will be considerably larger, supporting 144 of the 2RU touch screen stations with 6 Expansion Panel additions along with 45 of the Thin Client stations for a grand total of 189 operating positions.
The other two launch centers, also Delta IV and Atlas V, are at Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS) and will be installed in a marathon effort next May to June during the only workable open schedule dates for these very busy launch centers. These two systems will comprise another 244 operator positions with similar mix overall as VAFB sites. Quintron personnel will provide major site installation at all four sites.