Category: Press

Quite often, we tend to judge our day by its weather conditions. Who doesn’t like a warm sunny afternoon with clear blue skies and a hint of fresh breeze? Indeed, fair weather can drastically improve moods, but its conditions extend far beyond leisure time.

The weather has historically been a key factor in the development of various human civilizations, as they strived to accommodate and build in accordance with their given climate conditions and day-to-day meteorological changes.

The weather remains a key factor in our life. As per the World Meteorological organization, observing changes in weather is crucial for various sectors. While the latter definitely include tourism, transport, aviation, public health and safety, other longer-term actions, such as international cooperation, environmental protection and scientific development, rely on meteorology as well.

In fact, accelerated climate change has rendered the need of for accurate and timely observations even more important in these last few decades. Public safety has become a larger topic of concern with heatwaves, extreme rainfall or even natural disasters occurring all the more frequently and having bigger impact. In fact, extreme weather has been given a second place on the list of Top 10 Global Risks by Severity Over the next 10 years, as estimated by the 2022 report of the World Economic Forum. Climate action failure took the first place in this hall of shame.

To prevent costly damages to property and potential loss of life, meticulous weather measurements should be conducted at all times. This is why the modern-day meteorologists require the best equipment to adequately perform this uneasy task. Our ancestors’ observations of the sky do not suffice any more. New technologies in the field of meteorology have been developed to predict the changes in weather with the highest possible accuracy.

Which technology is being used?

High-performance computing (HPC), used in complex highspeed calculations and data processing, is being deployed in weather and climate research. It allows scientists to analyze multiplex data models and draw conclusions, based on a multitude of the examined factors.

This technology is used to give very precise weather simulations and data-heavy weather models. Due to the system’s high performance, it significantly reduces the time taken to alert authorities of potential dangers, which helps save lives.

To collect the crucial geospatial, climate and atmospheric data, scientists rely on meteorological sensors, satellites and weather stations all over the world.

The collected information is then transformed into weather models and that cover different periods in the past, as well as make predictions for the future changes in weather and climate.

The accurate weather warnings, based on these data models, are generated via predictive analytics technologies. This is crucial in preventing damages from natural disasters, as it could help evacuate the inhabitants of a certain area in due time. The analytics could also be used in everyday life. To design schedules, for example, or to decide when schools and establishments should remain closed.

Beyond that, accurate weather measurements coupled with appropriate measures could help with other problems on the World Economic Forum’s report. In the case of livelihood crises (5th spot on the chart), predicting the weather in advance could help prevent cut-offs in food supplies for more isolated areas, as world leaders would have time to find alternative sources of nourishment, thanks to the quick and reliable forecasts.

As our very life processes remain anchored to weather and climate, it is important that we know when to take appropriate measures when the time calls. This is why the research and technology in the field of meteorology should develop and achieve new standards continuously.

Airports host millions of travelers all year long. It isn’t a simple task to establish order in such conditions, but it is essential to both the functioning of the hub and its visitors. Every process must be completed accurately, every check-up made certain.
In addition to a battalion of well-trained staff members, this requires a variety of new and advanced technology, an invaluable helper in our day and age. From communication to infrastructure to data-based solutions, here are the indispensable factors that must be respected for airports to function properly.

Communication 

Ever heard the saying “communication is key”? Nothing could be more true or important, as clear and timely transmission of information between the staff members of the airport is the number one component of the proper airport operations. Communication channels must be put in place and multiplied, in order to ensure that all parties always remain informed of the situation and developments in airport.

Various devices are employed to facilitate and accelerate this process, so as to guarantee the smooth flow of the airport’s daily routine and potentially avoid accidents. Here’s is a non-exhaustive list of some of these methods.

To begin with, several primary solutions such as the message handling and aeronautical information systems are installed in airports, as per the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Some of these provide live display of information about the arriving and departing flights to all the Aeronautical information services (AIS) users around the globe.

Others, such as the ATS Message Handling system, are meant for ground-to-ground communication, between the different parts and vehicles of the airport.

The two-way air-to-ground communication, used between aircrafts and operators is also an essential factor in the safety of the flight.

This method nowadays tends to use radar signaling.

As for the cabin crew on board of the aircraft, they communicate with the air controllers and other flights in the vicinity via very high-frequency (VHF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) and radio communications.

Finally, the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network (AFTN) is a global complex of aeronautical fixed circuits. This helps transfer and exchange signals and data between airports all over the world.

Infrastructure

If communication is the core aspect of a functioning airport, a durable shell of infrastructure should envelop this complex network of data transmission.

Various parts, such as pathways between terminals should be clearly labeled and accessible. These should further be connected to the airfields, ensuring safe landing and departures of the aircrafts. Investing in high quality services, such as provided by Bayanat Engineering, has therefore become a priority of airports worldwide.

Infrastructure also incorporates clear signage and public address systems that indicates directions to the passengers, hence improving the overall workflow of the aerial hub.

It is also important to know that clear signage is essential when it comes to safety, such as in the case of emergency or a potential need for evacuation.

The digital 

Throughout it all, a whole plethora of digital solutions have further facilitated the running of the airport. These range from scanners, to surveillance, to information exchange, to flight update reading devices. The electronically transmitted data arrives faster and is more accurate. All the best airports around the world have implemented these now crucial measures that have increased their functioning thousandfold.

Bayanat Engineering, the Qatari company credited with supplying the renowned Hamad International Airport, has a large catalogue of services and solutions adapted to optimize flow of the airport operations. For more information, visit https://www.bayanatengineering.qa/.

Once employed exclusively by the military, drones are making their grand entrance on the commercial scene.

Today, they become more and more present in a variety of industries, ranging from first aid to engineering to journalism. We even tend to hear about their amateur use by influencers and photographers, just to name a few.

Drones’ increasing presence in our everyday life could be attributed to their constant evolution and affordability.

While the advantages or even the necessity of drones cannot be underestimated, their use has also become subject of debate, mainly due to the danger that they pose to security. A number of incidents involving drones, whether deliberate or accidental, have already been recorded around the world.

Other than the terrestrial objects, aerial bodies could, too, be jeopardised when encountering drones on their trajectory.

One field particularly preoccupied by the presence of drones in the airspace is the aeronautic industry. The devices, sometimes inadvertently operated in the vicinity of commercial aircrafts, put the plane and its passengers at risk.

With the growing number of amateur drone use, the frequency of close encounters with the unmanned devices has increased significantly in the last few years.

To limit the potential dangers caused by the drones, specific counter-technology has been developed. Previously employed in the military – just like their target – the anti-drone solutions are now present in the airports and their proximity. Their impact on drones varies and they are not all technology related. Let’s explore.

Monitoring and detection : 

The best way to avoid clashes with drones is to prevent them from happening in advance. It is therefore essential that airports have drone monitoring equipment in their arsenal.

We can distinguish between the two major categories: active and passive.

Passive monitors are constantly scanning the surroundings for drones, sending signals if their presence is spotted.

As for the active monitoring, these devices send out signals that analyse and classify the drone in question and then provide the specific details about it. Some of these could even discern the digital fingerprint of the drone’s user.

These monitors could give the away the drone’s exact location and follow it in real time – an essential piece of information for the deployment of countermeasures.

Specific tools that remove drones from the vicinity of airports and planes are then used in conjunction with the monitoring devices. It is always best to try to preserve the drone, whether to give it back to its user or for examination, in case of a more serious threat. Different methods and technologies have been developed to provide appropriate measures in due time.

Birds of prey

First on this list : our little friends, birds of prey. Known for their hunting of other avifauna whose presence could disturb flights, these predators are now able to latch onto winged opponents of non-living nature. Nowadays, birds of prey are trained to find and intercept drones. The advantage of using birds is that they do not damage the craft as they bring it down. Old-school but effective.

GPS Spoofers

On the more technological side, we have these devices that interfere with the drone’s GPS receiver to disorient it and to make it believe to be localised elsewhere. More specifically, they alter the communication link of the drone through a signal that briefly delays the connection between the airborne device and its controller, followed by a stronger signal that completely severs it.

The control of the drone goes to the spoofer and the device could later be given to its owner in one piece.

Radio Frequency (RF) Jammers

However, when neither the nature, nor the “benign” technology are sufficient to prevent an imminent threat, other devices could be employed.

These devices overwhelm drones by blocking the signals from the controller with their radio wave emissions. Their signal is attuned to the same frequency and modulation as that of the drone’s. Essentially, they, too, cut off the  link communication between the craft and its controller.

RF jammers aim for precision by focusing the electromagnetic energy on the drone, so as to avoid impairing the nearby equipment. This method has its disadvantages, as it is very short-range and could still cause collateral damage.

As for the drones, once attacked by the radio waves, they could fly away aimlessly or undergo a crash landing.
HPM Devices

Just like the RF devices, these operate on the electromagnetic signals. The microwave pulses, emitted by the HPM devices interfere with the drone’s radio signals. They can go as far as to damage the very components of the craft, depending on the latter’s durability.

The signals of the HPM devices are sent out in a single direction, so as to prevent collateral damage. However, this could sometimes not be avoided, making RF jammers truly a last resort tool (especially given its high cost).

These are some of the devices that could be found in airports and military bases. Others, more destructive ones, are employed primarily by the armed forces, so as to prevent attacks and ensure the land’s safety.

If you are interested in learning more about or even investing in drone counter-technology, Bayanat Engineering has a wide variety of products that could be tailored to your particular situation.

Airports, the international hubs of the world, oversee the passage of millions of visitors every year. With large crowds constantly circulating, it is essential to ensure not only their safety, but that of the entire airport, maintaining its proper and lawful functioning. It is also important to prevent any potential threat from entering the country.

And so, there is a plethora of techniques put in place to ensure security of the passengers, staff, equipment, vehicles and aircraft at any given location of the facility.

Security and surveillance equipment is most commonly used to observe the traffic in the monitored zone, including potential animals, vehicles or people on the site. It also detects unfavourable meteorological conditions or other aircraft in sight of the runway. These infrastructures operate both at daytime and at night, the latter being a more risky period in terms of potential threats due to lower visibility.

The Surface Movement Guidance and Control System

It is important to know that the airports are equipped with a special surveillance system, called the Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (ASMGCS). This includes a variety of different devices and infrastructure.

More generally, these could be separated into two parts: non-cooperative surveillance (Surface movement radars, microwave sensors), and cooperative surveillance, among which, you could find the Multilateration system.
According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the ASMGCS maintains the rate of all vehicles’ and aircraft’s movement on the surface of the aerodrome, by providing these with routing, guidance and surveillance. It declares the surface movement rate in any given weather conditions that enter into the aerodrome visibility operational level. Finally, it also assures safety requirements are met.

Different types of radars

Based on this, you can imagine that the infrastructure consists of various important components. We have already mentioned the Surface Movement radars (SMR, GMR), these are used by surface traffic controllers to detect aircraft and vehicles on the airport grounds, during the day, the night, at dusk, dawn and, more generally, in low visibility conditions. This very precise equipment is designed to provide callsigns that identify the target, as well as send warnings in case of a potential danger.

But this isn’t quite the end of the radar use in aviation. The spectre of these devices is huge, and each type contributes its specific role to the surveillance and safety of the airport and aircrafts. For instance, the primary surveillance radar (PSR), the only one that does not require any specific equipment on board of the aircraft, uses reflected radio waves to determine the latter’s coordinates and direction. The aircraft receives the radio signal from the radar and emits it back to the PSR’s antenna.

However, the primary radar, apart from determining an object’s position, is unable to identify the exact target. This is where the secondary radar comes into play.

Another component of the ASMGCS that we’ve addressed are the multilareration systems (MLAT), which are a part of the cooperative surveillance. As with the radars, the accuracy of the multilateration systems is a crucial aspect of their functioning. They provide information on the vehicle’s position to its exterior recipients, i.e., to the air traffic controller.

Detecting objects outside the aircraft

Automatic Dependent Surveillance technologies (ADS-B/TIS-B), reliant on the satellite navigation, are used by an aircraft to determine its exact position, so that it is broadcast and tracked. Not only does the airport staff depend on this information, but other airplanes in the area also need to be aware of each other’s positions, in order to avoid accidents and, hence, contributes to air navigation safety.

But it isn’t only airplanes that could get in the way of their winged homologues. On the ground, what is referred to as the runway foreign objects debris (FOD), constitutes any objects fallen from the aircraft, broken ground equipment or even birds. To maintain the overall safety of the aerodrome, many other types of surveillance are put in place for runways and airside. These and many other aviation solutions are provided by the engineering companies such as Bayanat Engineering, the latter being a leader in its sector in the Middle East. The company provides surveillance and security systems, along with many other solutions to large international airports including Hamad International Airport. If you are interested in checking them out, please visit: https://www.bayanatengineering.qa/

“Meteorology is the study of the processes in the Earth’s atmosphere that cause particular weather conditions, especially in order to predict the weather.” – Collins Dictionary. 

Meteorology is used in weather forecasting and predictions about the climate – it can be dated over 1,000 years ago but substantial meteorology innovations were not made until the 18th century.

Since the 18th century, however, meteorology technology has advanced significantly. While we do not think about it in our daily activities, it is possible you have come across it without realisation. Whether you check the forecast, take a plane or even encounter rain on the day – you are unknowingly using the meteorology solutions.

Meteorology influences multiple industries and daily processes.

Countries need meteorology and its reliable systems to prepare and monitor extreme weather conditions, to ensure its citizens safety on the daily basis, as well as meteorology technology is crucial in agriculture, military, aviation, environmental, urban planning and other sectors.

Example of meteorology importance is the airport, the more reliable their services will be as they won’t have to cancel flights last-minute, as they will be able to predict and identify weather patterns, Although the climate in Qatar is predominately pleasant and dry, understanding meteorology is still essential for airports in Qatar to ensure they can provide safe and reliable flights for their passengers.

Bayanat Engineering is honoured to have built some of the world’s leading weather forecasting systems for airports, and are happy to play a part in creating systems that keep Oil and Gas industry experts, aviation, military, and other government and civil entities safe and advanced in weather and meteorological solutions in Qatar.

Solutions in various fields

Aviation: It is apparent that weather conditions affect the flight schedule and are important for Air Traffic control and crucial part of aviation industry. Example would be the use of runway visual range (RVR) systems to ensure a clear and safe landing strip for the pilot to land their aircraft. The RVR is calculated using transmissometers, which are a piece of equipment installed along runways to determine the visual range left until the aircraft’s landing point.

Oil and Gas: This industry is another example of the importance of weather solutions as they are located any where from the middle of the ocean to deep underground. Rapid changes in weather conditions or harsh weather phenomena can affect the mining of oil and gas and threaten employees. That’s where meteorology comes in – using equipment such as automated weather observing systems (AWOS) and weather decision support systems (WDSS), oil and gas companies can continuously monitor the weather and modify their working strategies consequently.

Military: The military is responsible for defence involved in the navy and marine, as well as military aviation, all of which depend on weathercasting aspects. This means it is important to monitor it at all times. In addition to that, remote weather monitoring stations are implemented throughout camps in order to achieve the highest and most accurate levels for weather data collection.

Solutions examples

Rain gauges: smart water monitoring. The amount of rainfall is key to industries such as agriculture, which relies on the climate to grow produce. In addition to that, it affects the infrastructure and urban planning development, affects aviation sectors, oil and gas industries and other.

Lightning detection systems: contains a network of sensors which calculate the electromagnetic radiation that is released by lightning. The sensor network uses the radiation data to predict where lightning may strike and at what strength.

Wind profiler: This is a piece of equipment that is used to monitor wind speed, direction and conditions. Wind profilers use sound waves (SODAR) or radar waves (RADAR) to detect these conditions at various levels above the ground – from sea level right up to the troposhere (zero to 17 kilometres above sea level).
These wind measurement systems are able to detect vertical and horizontal wind speed, thermal stratification, turbulence and direction, as well as measuring remote temperature profiles within the atmosphere.

Outdoor air purifiers: with environmental issues being of growing worldwide worry, companies and governments around the world are looking at ways to reduce carbon emissions and reverse the negative impacts of pollution on our planet. Air pollution from vehicle emissions, agricultural activities and other industries are likely to blame for the increase in human respiratory illnesses – not to mention the devastating effects of rising global temperatures. Pollution is a significant problem in many countries – particularly in urban environments. Industries such as transportation and aviation have a large role to play in helping to keep our air clean, so companies are increasingly looking for ways to cancel out emissions.

Additional solutions for meteorology: 

• Weather Decision Support Systems
• Radiometers
• Radiosonde
• Cloud Seeding
• MET Forecasting/Visualisation Systems
• Meteorological sensors
• Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS)
• Runway Visual Range (RVR)
• Weather RADARs
• LIDARs (Windshear/Wake Vortex Measurement)
• Thermo Dynamic Profiler/RadioMeters
• Radiosonde/weather telemetry systems
• Weather Decision Support Systems

“Bayanat Engineering Qatar has always strived for excellence and success beyond expectations. Being the industry experts, we provide our best solutions and always achieve the expectation and beyond. We have proven track record of various completed projects, as well as  industry experts on board that we are proud of. Some of past projects implemented in Qatar by Bayanat Engineering Qatar are:

• Design & Build of Mukaynis Metrology Center

• Supply, testing, and commissioning of Automatic Rain Gauges

• Upgradation, Improvement of complete meteorological systems installed at HIA

• Supply, installation, and configuration of Weather Radar Rainbow user workstation (DART)

• Supply, Installation & Commissioning of Runway Visual Range (RVR) Redundancy System in Hamad International Airport

All completed  projects  have been delivered  with appreciation certificates from clients, as well as Mukaynis Meteorology Center was inaugurated by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani,” General Manager of Bayanat Engineering Qatar Hassan Ezzeddine said.

This depicts the level of the effort that we put in and that we always work hard in order to achieve the greatest outcomes possible for Qatar projects. Our motto is – we believe in trust- and transparency and our work always speak for itself. We appreciate our clients for trusting us and we hope to be able to achieve even better results for our customer’s satisfaction,” Ezzeddine added.

Meteorology touches every part of our lives, whether we’re aware of it directly through an interest in weather or it’s something we don’t even consider as we board our flight. An understanding of it is fundamental to daily ongoings, including logistics and even land management, enabling us to plan and predict life, especially in adverse conditions – which meteorology allows us to navigate.

It is important to comprehend the accuracy of the technology that is used in such vital part of our lives and Bayanat Engineering Qatar can deliver it to the excellent standards.

 

Qatar’s top engineering company partners with over 50 Global partners to provide world-class civil and military engineering aerospace solutions. 

Qatar-owned Bayanat Engineering’s wide international partnership network with prestigious companies provide Qatar with high-quality information and communication, navigation, meteorology, Air Traffic Management, specialised lighting, low voltage & low current systems, surveillance, passenger and traffic movement operations.

By partnering with major technology providers, including Frequentis, Saab, Vaisala, Micronav, Corobor, Jotron, ParkAir, Honeywell etc Bayanat Engineering strategizes and designs clients’ projects, primarily in aviation, from start-to-finish to the highest standards.

“Our valuable partnership with international partners is build on trust and experience,” Hassan Ezzeddine, General Manager Bayanat Engineering Qatar said.

The engineering group works with industry-leading experts and businesses all over the world providing innovative solutions through top-notch products and services from across the globe.

Furthermore, Bayanat has partnered with over 150 international collaborators to form the largest portfolio of proven aviation solutions from leading international manufacturers and delivered over 1,300 successful projects around the world.

Read also: HIA to install new radars to improve air traffic surveillance

“Through mutual respect and understanding we achieved and established genuine and sincere relationships, which are the foundation of a solid long-term collaboration. We grow stronger each year, as we devote ourselves to common vision – delivering best solutions to our client’s gratification and needs.

Bayanat Engineering Qatar partnering up with the internationally accredited and recognised companies has delivered outstanding results in the field and continuous to implement their high-quality work.

The engineering solutions provided by Bayanat, such as radar detection, FOD, AGL, remote tower, digital tower, rain gauge, specialised lighting and many other plays crucial role in safety and security as well as efficiency of the operations.

“Matching vision and mission between partners in achieving goals have created a mutually beneficial environment for Bayanat Engineering Qatar and the partners in order to represent them in Qatar market. We are proud to work with the companies oriented on quality and innovation, as it helps us be the best in the field and deliver best results possible,” he added.

Read also: State-owned Qatar Petroleum set for ‘world’s largest’ LNG project

Established in 1983, the company has risen to the top of their field and are a key player in the aviation sector in Qatar, working with Qatar Civil Aviation, Qatar Airways, and Qatar Meteorological Department, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Aeronautical Academy, Military and Defence, specialising in air traffic management, airside and terminal systems, to meet the needs of airport authorities, air navigation service providers, civil aviation authorities and military and defence.