Fort Polk Upgrades Facilities with IDS5

FORT POLK, Louisiana (March 12, 2009) - Fort Polk, home of the Army’s Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), has upgraded their air traffic control (ATC) tower, Army Radar Approach Control (ARAC), and Base Operations facilities at Polk Army Airfield with Systems Atlanta Inc.’s (SAI) Integrated Information Display & Dissemination System (IDS5).  The IDS5 database includes three types of information; manually entered/updated, static/reference, and external data from existing systems through IDS5 interfaces.

IDS5 is an information display and dissemination system that allows users to display and share critical manually entered information between all facilities on the IDS5 network.   This data sharing capability significantly reduces voice communication and coordination, adding to operational safety and efficiency. 

Another type of data available to personnel at the touch of a button is static/reference information.  Static information can include  VFR/IFR pattern information, approach plates, maps, charts, quick reaction checklists, emergency action checklists/procedures, airspace and airfield diagrams, aircraft parking plans, status of equipment/systems, airfield condition reports, just to name a few.

The third type of information that will be utilized within IDS5 is automatically updated, external information from the New Tactical Forecast System (N-TFS), and the Flight Data Input/Output (FDIO) system.

IDS5 N-TFS Interface: The IDS5 N-TFS Interface receives data directly from the New-Tactical Forecast system for real-time display and distribution throughout all interconnected IDS5 workstations. Both local and remote weather data, including forecasts, are received from the N-TFS. Local data includes the current observations, forecast, weather advisory, weather warning, weather watch, real-time wind speed, wind direction, gusts, wind variability, crosswinds, altimeter, and RVR.

Flight Data Input/Output (FDIO): The IDS5 interface to the FDIO system allows automatic reception and display of Significant Meteorological Events (SIGMETs), Center Weather Advisories (CWAs), Traffic Management Units (TMUs), General Information (GI), and other FDIO messages in IDS5. 

Fort Polk is located in west-central Louisiana, about 45 miles from Alexandria.  Close to the front gate is the nearby town of Leesville. 

About Systems Atlanta

Systems Atlanta is an industry leader in the area of integrated data systems for air traffic control and the aviation industry. SAI has over 30 years experience providing technologically advanced, cost effective IDS solutions for civilian and military customers.