In 2014, Thales approached CMCA for the support and upgrade of the tactical air control centre deployable shelter systems. The scope included maintaining the mechanical integrity of the deployable shelters and upgrading the air conditioning systems, as well as the upgrade and maintenance of the three deployable standby generator systems.

The first task was to investigate the integrity of the systems and propose remedial action, in which the generators and air conditioners were all upgraded.

The continued support delivered by CMCA includes scheduled preventative maintenance, project management, obsolesces management, supply chain and on call correct action. The system is split over two locations, one situated at the garrison and the other deployed in support of operation shader, meaning the system is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in extreme conditions, making the operational status of the air conditioning system ever more important.

CMCA’s contribution to operation shader extends far beyond the tactical air control centre, with CMCA’s C250-S deployable air conditioning systems providing critical climate control for the Expeditionary Forces Aircraft Shelter System (EFASS) housing the UK MoD’s Tornado fleet, as well as the T101 radar system providing air space situational awareness, which utilises CMCA’s C97-S air conditioning system and support network.