Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, has been awarded a $438 million (£324.5 million) contract by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support the Radar System Replacement program, a cornerstone of the agency’s effort to modernise the U.S. National Airspace System.
The program is a key part of the Department of Transportation’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System, and is set to update 612 radar systems nationwide that date back to the 1980s.
Indra, a Spanish IT and defence company, was also selected alongside Collins to modernise the network.
Collins will deliver next-generation cooperative and non-cooperative radar systems, giving air traffic controllers reliable and secure information to support operations.
These new radars will simplify operations by replacing multiple legacy systems with a unified, cost-effective and adaptable architecture.
Systems will include the Condor Mk3, a cooperative surveillance radar capable of communicating directly with aircraft transponders, and the ASR-XM, a non-cooperative radar that detects aircraft using reflected signals.
Both are qualified to meet FAA surveillance requirements through prior test-site certification activities.
A foundation for large-scale modernisation
More than 550 RTX radar systems are already operating within the U.S. airspace today, providing a proven foundation for large-scale modernisation.
RTX’s Condor Mk3 and ASR-XM radar systems offer precise aircraft tracking, especially at lower altitudes.
Nate Boelkins, President of Avionics at Collins Aerospace, said: “As a trusted supplier to the FAA for more than 70 years, Collins is ready to rapidly deploy next-generation radar systems that replace outdated technology with a single, modern and interoperable solution.
“These systems integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, enhance safety and efficiency for air traffic controllers, reduce long-term costs and ensure the system is prepared for the future of the National Airspace.”
