Sunhillo Enhances US Army Alaska’s Training with Advanced Surveillance System

Sunhillo, a leader in the advancement of tracking and monitoring solutions for both manned and unmanned aircraft, has announced the triumphant implementation of its Surveillance Monitoring System (SMS) at the US Army alaska (USARAK) Ranges. This innovative system is designed to improve situational awareness across the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Capability (JPMRC), which encompasses Army ranges located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Fort Wainwright, and Fort Greely/Donnelley Training Area.

Thorough Surveillance Integration

The SMS integrates ten distinct surveillance feeds from various sources, including Short Range radars (SRR), Long Range Radars (LRR), Multifunction Array Radar (MAR), and ADS-B. This data is processed for real-time display at each Range Operation, enabling seamless data sharing among the ranges to ensure redundancy. Sunhillo facilitated the on-site installation and training for the SMS, completing the process in time to support the Northern Edge training exercise. Each Range operation is equipped with an SMS setup featuring two 48-inch screens at the fire desk, allowing for high-definition viewing of all aircraft, thereby enhancing safety, operational efficiency, and training effectiveness within the JPMRC.

Customizable Features for Enhanced Operations

With its fully customizable interface and geofencing capabilities, the SMS, in conjunction with Department of Defense (DOD) software, delivers a comprehensive operational picture (COP) of real-time air and ground activities tailored to meet the Army’s training needs. Users can select any target to access the Target Information panel, which provides critical data such as target ID, altitude, speed, and heading—essential information for live-fire operations within Special Use Airspace.

Recording and Playback Capabilities

The SMS also includes advanced recording and playback functionalities, allowing each Range to review footage at any time for training or incident analysis. Additionally, the system offers customizable graphical overlays, enabling USARAK ranges to visualize specific geographical areas (up to four distinct images per range) without the need for an internet connection.

Geofencing for Enhanced Safety

The geofencing feature of the SMS is established by creating a polygonal boundary overlaid on a chosen base layer map. This setup allows for the configuration of alerts—both audible and visual—when targets approach or enter the geofenced area. This capability provides USARAK with an additional layer of safety, helping to separate non-participating aircraft from potentially hazardous operations while also supporting the Army’s compliance with FAA regulations.

Leadership Insights

Dave Whitman, the CEO and President of Sunhillo Corporation, expressed his pride in supporting USARAK with the SMS solution, stating, “I am honored to contribute to the enhancement of situational awareness and training exercises for the US Army Alaska.”