Cobham Antenna Systems, Microwave Antennas
News
2007-10
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Antennas for Thales communication systems in the Channel Tunnel Rail Link
and London St Pancras International station
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| Cobham Antenna Systems, Microwave Antennas, has designed and manufactured antennas for Thales for use on Section 2 of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) project between Fawkham Junction in Kent and London St Pancras International station.
Section 2 includes 65km of new high speed track allowing speeds of up to 186mph (300km/hr), bridges and structures along the route, and three developments at St Pancras, Stratford and Ebbsfleet stations.
Thales was targeted with the provision of improved GSM-R and Cab Secure Radio (CSR) coverage for the railway operators to maximise safety and to provide coverage for the London Fire Brigade in the evacuation shafts from tunnels and passenger exit shafts. Thales appointed Cobham Antenna Systems (Microwave Antennas) to design and manufacture a range of single and multi-band antennas as from previous association Thales were confident that they would receive exactly what they required.
This prestigious civil engineering project presented unique challenges for wireless communications with 25% of the route in tunnels with trains travelling at speeds of up to 150mph. Antennas would need to be impervious to their surroundings, be tough, reliable, have low wind loading and meet the RF requirements to an uncompromising specification. Antennas for installation within St Pancras International had to have a discreet appearance to merge within the magnificent new station. All antennas had specific power levels and frequencies for GSM-R, Cab Secure Radio and the London Fire Brigade services.
One of the development projects undertaken was that of a slim directional antenna required to support the emergency services system in London tunnels and the emergency evacuation routes. Mounted inside a firewall of an evacuation tunnel, this antenna has a long insulated cable so that the radio could be mounted at a safe distance to ensure its use in an emergency. The antenna maintained 8.4dBi gain and frequency coverage down the shaft.
www.thales.co.uk
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