ARINC Supports Air Force Cycling Event May 31 with Mobile Radios and AWINS^TM Technology

Annapolis, Maryland—When hundreds of recreational cyclists from the Washington, D.C. area, hundreds of professional cyclists from around the world, and crowds of cycling fans take over the streets of Arlington, VA, this Sunday, a special radio system from ARINC Incorporated will help the event’s organizers to keep the races properly managed and running smoothly.

ARINC is providing 80 radio handsets and a powerful mobile network for all the event managers, staff, and course referees who will coordinate a 7-mile course of closed highways for the US Air Force 2009 Cycling Classic. The mobile handsets will also be used by 19 racing team cars following the professional cyclists, and by medical and press vehicles and supporting motorcycles.

The ARINC local radio network includes special technology for interoperability—allowing users to connect to the personnel from public safety agencies supporting the day’s events—the Arlington County Police, Arlington Fire Department, and the Pentagon Police. The interoperability is made possible by ARINC’s AWINS^TM technology.

“We heard about ARINC’s interoperability system last year on the radio,” stated Robin Morton, who is Technical Coordinator for the races. “We decided to ask ARINC for support this year and we’re very pleased they can provide this valuable equipment and service for us.”

The ARINC radio equipment will be used to coordinate and manage the longest races of the weekend—three 100km (64 mile) races looping between Crystal City and the Air Force Memorial. The races include Recreational Rider Challenge, Service Academy Race, and the featured Professional Circuit, which has attracted top international cyclists.

“ARINC is delighted to support the Air Force and help make this year’s Cycling Classic a success,” stated Marvin Ingram, ARINC Senior Director, Public Safety. 

ARINC is providing industrial-grade Motorola radio handsets from its managed inventory of airport communications equipment. Batteries and additional technical support have been provided by Bear.com, a local electronics specialist, according to ARINC’s Coordinator, Ginger Paddy.

The US Air Force Cycling Classic is in its second year, and represents the Air Force’s commitment to create an event rivaling the Marine Corps Marathon and the Army Ten Miler. The two-day Classic offers both participatory and competitive biking activities, with elements designed for all age groups and abilities. Hundreds of riders took part in the inaugural Crystal City Ride in 2008.

The 2009 US Air Force Cycling Classic benefits the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, and highlights Operation Impact, a program of Northrop Grumman, the event’s lead sponsor.

ARINC Incorporated, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, provides communications, engineering and integration solutions for commercial, defense and government customers worldwide. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland with regional headquarters in London and Singapore, ARINC is ISO 9001:2008 certified. 

Release: 09-056

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