Client: Royal Saudi Air Force (via AEC)
Sector: Defense / Aerospace
Service: Industrial IoT & Wireless Infrastructure Deployment
Business Challenge
The Royal Saudi Air Force manages mission-critical assets and spare parts distributed across multiple aircraft hangars. Traditional manual tracking methods created delays in locating components, reducing operational efficiency and impacting maintenance turnaround times.
To support mission readiness, the Air Force required a secure, real-time tracking system capable of operating within high-security defense environments. This demanded a robust, scalable wireless infrastructure to enable RFID-based asset visibility across eight large hangars.
Solution
Flint International, engaged through AEC, was appointed to design and deploy an end-to-end industrial wireless infrastructure that would serve as the backbone for the Air Force’s RFID asset tracking system.
Our engagement covered:
- Industrial-Grade Wireless Deployment: High-mounted Wi-Fi access points installed at 9m heights across eight aircraft hangars to ensure uninterrupted coverage.
- Cisco Switching & Structured Cabling: Design and rollout of a secure switching fabric with optimized cabling pathways.
- Network Security Configuration: System hardening and secure configurations to prevent external access and maintain defense-grade security.
- RFID Integration Support: Seamless enablement of RFID readers and tracking systems through validated connectivity and operational workflows.
This foundation enabled accurate, real-time asset movement tracking across all hangars.
Solution Implementation Process
The program followed a phased deployment approach for maximum precision and operational continuity:
Phase 1 – Site Assessment & Wireless Design
Coverage modeling, RF planning, and physical site evaluation to determine optimal mounting heights, access point distribution, and cabling routes.
Phase 2 – Network Build-Out & Hardening
Installation of high-mounted access points, structured cabling, and Cisco switching infrastructure. Configuration of secure, defense-compliant network policies.
Phase 3 – RFID Integration & Operational Enablement
Testing of RFID reader performance, data capture efficiency, and system interoperability. Final validation ensured readiness for full-scale operational use.
Customer Benefits
- Real-Time Visibility: Full transparency of asset locations across eight hangars, reducing search time and improving maintenance efficiency.
• Improved Inventory Accuracy: Automated tracking eliminated errors associated with manual processes.
• Operational Readiness: Faster turnaround for aircraft maintenance and mission preparation.
• Secure & Scalable Infrastructure: Defense-grade wireless backbone capable of supporting future IoT and automation initiatives.
Result
Flint’s industrial wireless and IoT expertise enabled the Royal Saudi Air Force to modernize its asset tracking ecosystem with a secure, scalable RFID-ready infrastructure. The deployment improved logistics control, reduced operational delays, and enhanced overall mission readiness.
