Gainesville, Virginia, November 27, 2024 – TRAXyL, an innovative equipment company focused on making it simple to install outdoor cabling for data and internet connectivity, unveiled its embedded duct system at Winchester Regional Airport (OKV) in Winchester, Virginia. The process, called DuctTRAX, rapidly embeds microducts into paved surfaces, providing an on-demand pathway for cables, liquids, and gases.
Installing cables and duct systems at airports is a challenge due to the expansive hardscape surfaces like runways and taxiways. Traditional installation methods such as trenching or boring can be disruptive, time-consuming, and costly. Adding to the complexity are navigating underground utilities, high water tables, shallow rock, and natural habitats.
Winchester Regional Airport is taking bold steps to enhance accessibility to the region. The airport is nearing completion of a new state-of-the-art terminal building, dubbed the “Terminal of the Future”, that was designed to prepare for the next generation of electric and autonomous aircraft. “Advancements in aircraft technology have led us to consider how to provide for fast and secure communication in operational areas in safe and cost-effective manner,” said Nick Sabo, Executive Director of OKV.
To support the airport’s efforts, TRAXyL sent a team with equipment called TRAXtors (TRAXyL installation machines that resemble tractors in appearance)to install DuctTRAX. The patented TRAXtors embed cabling and microduct systems into paved surfaces by etching a very shallow and narrow groove into the surface of the pavement, inserting cables or microducts, and encapsulating them using durable protective coatings. The DuctTRAX installation at OKV expanded fiber connectivity to an in-pavement vault that will support future electric aircraft charging and monitoring equipment. The duct was installed in about ten minutes with the entire installation, to include jetting fiber, taking about one hour.
The DuctTRAX development was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. The SBIR program funds companies to develop innovative technologies that have commercial and societal impact. “NSF funds only the most innovative, disruptive technology with commercial potential. Small businesses like TRAXyL are creating dual-use technologies that can make an impact in communities nationwide.” Recent federal and state programs have infused billions of dollars into the industry to enhance the nation’s broadband and telecommunications network. TRAXyL has previously installed their flagship product, FiberTRAX for several US government agencies that include the Air Force, Army Corps of Engineers, and Customs and Border Protection. Commercially, FiberTRAX has been deployed for camera and security systems, high-speed internet within communities, and for connecting to cell towers. “What really intrigues me about the TRAXyL solution is its simplicity. In less time than it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee, we connected fiber to an aircraft parking space in the middle of an apron with zero interruptions to airport operations,” reiterated Sabo. “It’s a gamechanger.”
TRAXyL representatives are available for discussion. Please contact TRAXyL at [email protected] for more information about TRAXyL and this release.
About TRAXyL, Inc.
TRAXyL is based in Gainesville, Virginia and was built to provide simple solutions for installing cables and ducts using paved surfaces. The company provides cabling solutions to the broadband, security, educational, and other industries. TRAXyL operates nationwide and continues to develop new technologies to meet the growing needs of our customers. www.traxyl.com
About Winchester Regional Airport (OKV)
The Winchester Regional Airport (ICAO identifier: OKV) is a general aviation facility in Winchester, Virginia. www.flyokv.com
About the NSF and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in the US. The NSF SBIR program focuses on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and startups by translating new scientific and engineering discoveries emerging from the private sector, federal labs, and academia into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits. https://seedfund.nsf.gov/
Award
TRAXyL NSF SBIR PH II Award #2025972
