FAA Partners with RTX for Innovative Surveillance Radar Deployment in National Airspace System
Collins Aerospace, a leading division of RTX, has secured a significant $438 million contract from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aimed at enhancing the Radar System Replacement program. This initiative plays a crucial role in modernizing the U.S. National Airspace System and is integrated into the Department of Transportation’s innovative Air Traffic Control System.
With this contract, Collins Aerospace will provide cutting-edge cooperative and non-cooperative radar systems. These advancements will equip air traffic controllers with reliable and secure data, streamlining operations by integrating multiple legacy systems into a single, cost-effective, and dynamic architecture.
“As a trusted partner of the FAA for over 70 years, Collins is poised to quickly roll out next-generation radar systems that replace outdated technology with a cohesive, modern, and interoperable solution,” stated Nate Boelkins, president of Avionics at Collins Aerospace. “These new systems will seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure, enhancing safety and efficiency for air traffic controllers, lowering long-term costs, and preparing the National Airspace for future demands.”
The radar systems include the Condor Mk3, a cooperative surveillance radar that communicates directly with aircraft transponders, and the ASR-XM, a non-cooperative radar that detects aircraft via reflected signals. Both systems have been certified to meet FAA surveillance standards through extensive testing activities.
Currently, more than 550 RTX radar systems are operational within the national airspace, providing a solid foundation for extensive modernization efforts. RTX’s Condor Mk3 and ASR-XM radar systems ensure precise aircraft tracking, with enhanced capabilities at lower altitudes.
