On the air again

Hanson plays key role in rebuilding Afghan broadcast station

The recent rehabilitation of an existing broadcast station and installation of two 400-kilowatt medium-wave radio transmitters in Afghanistan is allowing listeners throughout the war-torn country to receive reliable news and other programming via AM radio for the first time since the onset of the war.

This means that radio audiences throughout the entire country of Afghanistan can now enjoy the high-quality radio reception of Radio TV Afghanistan (RTVA) and Voice of America (VOA) programming in their native language.

The station’s rehabilitation, implemented by the United States Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), is helping the BBG broaden its worldwide audience.

It is also allowing the Afghan government to re-establish its own radio network and is an example of the U.S. government’s commitment to Afghanistan’s reconstruction.

Hanson was a key team member in the on-time commissioning of the station, working directly for the BBG during the initial phase of the project, later as the architect/engineer for DynCorp—the prime contractor—and coordinating the transmitter installation with Harris Broadcast.

As vice president for telecommunications and special international projects, Hanson’s Ted Collora coordinated requirements with the DynCorp International Project Manager Jerry Williams and BBG’s Senior Project Manager Jon Erikson as well as with Harris Broadcast senior management. The design team included: Mark Plechaty, P.E., a structural engineer with DeSimone Consulting Engineers, New York City, N.Y.; Renzo Freschi, Hanson, electrical/radio engineer; Kan L. Wong, P.E., Hanson, senior engineer; Joel W. Ramos, P.E., Hanson, mechanical engineer; Edward DeLaPaz, AIA and Grace G. Yeung, Hanson, architects; and Hanson Project Manager Richard S. LaFortune.

Fast-track approach required

The BBG’s requirement to place the station on the air by April 2003 made it necessary to restore the design, reconstruct the facility and restore broadcast services on an extremely tight schedule.

The team mobilized quickly to perform the on-site survey and completed the design in phases. The architectural and structural design work was completed first and work was being performed on-site prior to completion of the mechanical and electrical design.

At the early stages of the design, long lead equipment items such as transmitter cooling equipment and electrical equipment were specified and placed on order for early delivery to the site. DynCorp expedited the procurement and delivery of all facility equipment and the U.S. government shipped the transmitters via C47 cargo planes.

Local materials were procured from within Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan. Local contractors performed the building reconstruction, and site personnel assisted in the installation and commissioning of the transmitter equipment.

Station strategically targeted

In 2002, this station was targeted and intentionally put out of commission by coalition forces in order to prevent the Taliban regime from using it. A missile tore through the rear of the transmitter hall, severely damaging the building and transmitter equipment.

In addition, the station’s electrical substation, antennas, towers, and transmission lines were all in need of repair.

As a consultant to Harris Corp., working in close cooperation with the BBG and DynCorp, Hanson conducted a reconnaissance survey of the damaged Afghanistan station. After completing the survey and making recommendations for reconstruction of the station, Hanson served as architect/engineer for the design-build team. Hanson developed design plans for the station’s rehabilitation on a fast-track basis and provided construction support services throughout the project.

Team mobilizes

To prepare for the trip to Afghanistan and for this challenging project, the Hanson team obtained the necessary visas and inoculations. Travel plans and logistical support were coordinated with the help of DynCorp and its regional and in-country support personnel.

During the initial survey the team traveled back and forth to the site each day by vehicle with only a local driver and translator. Later during the construction phase, living accommodations were installed at the site.

According to LaFortune, the local people were friendly and anxious to help the team. He adds that many of the site staff had been working at the station since its construction by the Russians during the early 1980s and had survived the attack on the facility by the coalition forces.

“The staff members at the site were gentle people who were always ready to help, and they contributed to the reconstruction efforts,” says LaFortune.

Security was a major issue

Security at the site, which is approximately 13 miles northeast of the city, was a major concern. DynCorp coordinated security issues with the local authorities and provided security personnel from its in-country security staff at the site.

In addition to reconstructing the transmitter facility and installing new transmitters, the power substation was out of service. Hanson designed the replacement of the 115-kV
primary switch feeding the station and surrounding area.

The station began broadcasting again on April 30, 2003.

For more information, contact Ted Collora at
(973) 785-4545 or at tcollora@hanson-inc.com.

For more information, contact Richard LaFortune at
(973) 785-4545 or at rlafortune@hanson-inc.com

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The Radio TV Afghanistan station in Pol-e Charkhi, Afghanistan, was damaged when a missile tore through the rear of the station, disabling its broadcasting capabilities.

Afghan on-site personnel assisted in installing and commissioning new state-of-the-art transmitters at the RTVA station.

Shown here is a traditionally designed Afghan truck that was used during the project.

Afghan workers lay cable near transmitter site.

Jerry Williams of DynCorp, surrounded by security detail.