8 Air Communications and Control Squadron

8 Air Communications and Control Squadron (8 ACCS) is a high readiness, self-sustainable unit capable of deploying worldwide by air, land or sea. Its primary mission is to support Canadian air operations through the provision of a network enabled, controlled airfield, regardless of environmental conditions. To achieve this, the Squadron is divided into an Air Traffic Services (ATS) detachment, two Communication and Information Services (CIS) detachments and contingency teams. These detachments can deploy separately or together based on requirement, with an airfield generally comprising one ATS and CIS collocated.

8 ACCS personnel deploy globally as detachments and contingency teams in support of:

• Time of tension and war (TTW);
• Joint Military operations and exercises;
• UN/peacekeeping;
• Assistance to civil authorities;
• Special operations; and
• Back-up to fixed airfield installations

Capable of sustaining 24/7 operations in a low threat environment, ATS and CIS Detachments can deploy within 72 hours and a Contingency Team within as little as 8 hours for up to 8 weeks, without augmentation. Concurrent deployments of one ATS Detachment, two CIS Detachments and one Contingency Team to single or multiple missions can also be supported.

8 ACCS is equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art deployable equipment including, but not limited to: radars, radios, navigation aids, control towers, airfield lighting, phones, computer networks, satellite ground terminals, mobile and transportable operation shelters, and tenting.

The men and women of 8 ACCS, better known as the "Gypsies", are pleased to call 8 Wing home since 1969 and take pride in being the vanguard for Canadian Forces deployed air operations maintaining the Squadron's vision of "Deployed Excellence Through Teamwork".

The ATS Detachment is comprised of Aerospace and Precision Approach Radar Controllers, supported by Aerospace Telecommunications and Information systems, and Electrical Generating Systems Technicians. This highly trained team provides Instrument Flying Rules and Visual Flying Rules air traffic control services.

• Capable of providing:
• Navigational aids;
• Area and secondary surveillance radars;
• Flight planning;
• Design of Instrument Procedures;
• Precision/non-precision landing aids;
• Portable airfield lighting systems; and
• Associated communication equipment

Equipment:

• MPN-25 Deployable Radar
• IFR Shelter
• Deployable Control Tower for VFR control and/or flight advisory
• NAVAIDS
  • AN/TRN 41 Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN)
  • Non-Directional Beacon
• Airfield Lighting
  • Emergency Airfield Lighting System (EALS)
  • Retro-Reflective Edge & Directional Approach System (REDAS)

Highly trained Aerospace Telecommunications and Information Systems Technicians deploy as a CIS Detachment comprised of both the Tactical Communications and the Command, Control and Information Systems subsections.

Capable of providing:

• Air-Ground-Air communications;
• SATCOM;
• Information Services;
• Local area network (secure/non secure)
• Landlines;
• Shelters;
• Power

Equipment:

• Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) - satellite terminal
• INMARSAT
• PBX/Telephones/FAX
• Air Force Command and Control Information System (AFCCIS)
• Defence Wide Area Network (DWAN)
• Radio Nets
• Microwave
• Mobile Operations Shelter (MOPS)
• Tactical Operations Shelter (TOPS)
• Weatherhaven Tents