AN/MSN-7 Mobile Air Traffic Control Tower keeps skies safer in theater Published Aug. 28, 2008 By Holly L. Birchfield 78th ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, Ga. -- Ensuring a safe flying environment can be challenging for air traffic controllers, especially at a Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources Base. The Air Force is coupling some of its state-of-the-art technology with the expertise of its combat communications professionals to meet this challenge. Most fixed air traffic control towers stand stories tall, but with the advancement of modern technology, Airmen can deliver the same capability from the back of a Humvee. Master Sgt. Christopher Blackburn, an Air Traffic Control functional manager in the 52nd Combat Communications Squadron, said the mobile tower can go anywhere, any time to support flying missions. "We use this equipment in deployed locations to provide the initial phases of air traffic control service," he said. "The MSN-7 is a very mobile piece of equipment that (can be driven) right off the back of a C-130, out on to the runway or (you can) park it next to the runway. Within a matter of 90 minutes, you can have a functioning air traffic control tower." The Army Navy/MSN-7 Mobile Air Traffic Control Tower is a highly mobile, quick response air traffic control facility capable of providing control tower services using a 12-foot tall control tower extended from the bed of a Humvee. Sergeant Blackburn said the AN/MSN-7 is a critical component in gaining air superiority in a war zone and protecting valuable air traffic control assets. "If we have advanced notification, the MSN-7 can be torn down in less than 15 minutes," he said. Staff Sgt. Justin McNamara, a mobile air traffic controller in the 53rd Combat Communications Squadron, who has used the mobile system only in exercise, said the tower, which accommodates three controllers, has its limitations though. Sergeant McNamara said while the mobile air traffic control tower reaches a mere two to three stories, it still meets mission needs in remote locations. Staff Sgt. Anthony Burns, chief, Air Traffic Control Training and Standardization in the 53rd CBCS, said air traffic controllers use radios with varying frequency levels to communicate with pilots from the tower. Sergeant Burns said air traffic controllers stay trained on the equipment to ensure mission readiness when called upon. Sergeant Blackburn said the AN/MSN-7, which has been used worldwide to support combatant commanders, offers invaluable capabilities to the warfighter. "The AN/MSN-7 is probably the best deployable air traffic control asset that the military has," he said. "Some of our other systems, like the TPN-19 mobile radar approach control, are aging and we're looking for replacements for those."