Helicopter Operation Installs New TV Antenna At Sudbury Mast

A specialist helicopter operation has fitted a replacement television antenna at Arqiva's Sudbury transmitting station in Suffolk as part of a significant upgrade to reinforce the future reliability of broadcast services across the East of England.

Working more than 140 metres up the structure and handling components weighing over 3 tonnes, the project enhances the long-term dependability of Freeview TV and radio for viewers and listeners in central and southern Suffolk, most of Essex and northern Kent.

The carefully coordinated programme comprised nine helicopter lifts across three days, with TV services maintained throughout. In total, over 12 tonnes of steelwork and associated materials were removed to enable installation of the new antenna system.

Planning for the highly specialised works took several months, with engineers, rigging crews, helicopter operators and operational teams collaborating to minimise disruption and deliver the upgrade safely and efficiently.

Jason Bell, Airworks Manager, Projects at Arqiva, said: "Replacing a major antenna system on an operational transmitter is a highly complex task, particularly when helicopter lifts are required to remove and install large sections of infrastructure at significant height.
"The planning began many months before work started on site, bringing together engineers, rigging specialists, helicopter operators and operational teams to ensure every stage could be delivered safely and efficiently."

The Sudbury project is part of Arqiva's ongoing investment in the UK's broadcast infrastructure, helping transmitter sites continue to provide reliable services while supporting future operational needs.