Dyess AFB Ground Air Transmit Receiver Project

Brice Builders (BRB) recently completed the competitively bid, Dyess AFB Ground to Air Receiver Transmitter (GATR) project.  The GATR is used by the US Air Force as the “ground-to-air” point for all communications with B1 Bomber aircraft and pilots based at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas. The GATR is one of the most critical infrastructure systems on the base and its reliable and continuous operation is mandatory for the safe operations and training of B1 Bomber aircrews on a 7-days a week, 24 hours a day basis.

BRB performed 100% design and fabrication of a new GATR communications shelter, 80’ self-supporting tower, and the turnkey installation of both. BRB also delivered a backup 25KW generator with a double-walled 500-gallon fuel tank and a fully integrated uninterruptible backup power supply.

Thirty days into the ~60-day field schedule, Texas was hit with severe snow and ice storms. The lack of fresh water forced the field crew to demobilize for approximately two weeks. Recognizing the nature of the event, the client issued a no cost extension to the period of performance. Once the storm had subsided, BRB later remobilized and completed the project on time, on budget, with zero safety incidents, and to the highest quality.

About the customer—The 7th Operations Group is the operational flying component of the US Air Force 7th Bomb Wing, stationed at Dyess AFB, Texas. The group executes global conventional bombing directed by proper command authority. It is the largest B-1B operations group comprised of 33 B-1s and 1,140 people assigned to three squadrons– the 9th and 28th Bomb Squadrons, and the 7th Operations Support Squadron. The 7th Operations Support Squadron is responsible for B-1 combat effectiveness and directs wing flight operations, conventional mission planning, combat tactics, airfield management, aircrew training, exercise scheduling, aircraft scheduling, weapons and tactics standardization, intelligence integration, war plans, deployment planning, weather support, small computer support, simulator training, air traffic control, maintenance analysis, mobility processing and wing life support functions.