EGLIN AFB, Fla., July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Defense
(DoD) is now conducting live air traffic control operations using the Raytheon
Company (NYSE: RTNA, RTNB) Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System
(STARS) and ASR-11 Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR) at Eglin AFB,
Fla.
DoD air traffic controllers are using the two new systems to control
arriving and departing aircraft in the Eglin AFB radar approach control
(RAPCON) area. This significant milestone in DoD's air traffic control
modernization program signals the start of Multi-Service Operational Test and
Evaluation (MOT&E) of both new systems. As part of pre-MOT&E activities, the
two new systems were certified for use in the National Airspace System.
Tom Robillard, U.S. Air Force program manager of the DoD's National
Airspace System program, hails this milestone as "a giant leap forward in the
DoD's air traffic control modernization plans." Robillard also noted that
"getting to MOT&E for a complex integrated air traffic control system is a
major accomplishment. It provides the introduction of a common DoD/FAA
National air traffic control system."
"Raytheon is extremely proud to be a full partner with DoD and the FAA in
deploying these critically needed new ATC systems," said Robert Eckel,
Raytheon's vice president of air traffic control programs. "ASR-11 will
provide superior performance and reliability over the radar it replaces, and
the Eglin AFB STARS installation represents the first operational use of the
full STARS level capabilities, which makes it one of the most advanced ATC
systems in the world."
The ASR-11 DASR, also known in DoD as the AN/GPN-30, and STARS, known to
DoD as the DoD Advanced Automation System (DAAS), form the baseline of DoD's
air traffic modernization program. The Eglin AFB system is the first of DoD's
plans to procure ASR-11s and STARS systems for its RAPCON facilities and
associated air traffic control towers. Both programs are joint DoD-FAA
procurements, with DoD leading the radar procurement and FAA leading the STARS
procurement.
The ASR-11/AN/GPN-30 is a modern, solid-state airport surveillance radar
with primary surveillance coverage to 60 miles and secondary surveillance
coverage to 120 miles. It provides improved detection in clutter and weather,
detection of six levels of weather, improved reliability and low life cycle
costs. DoD and FAA plan to procure up to 213 ASR-11s.
The STARS/DAAS is a modern, highly reliable, open architecture air traffic
automation system that provides new high resolution color displays, new
computer processing and communication equipment, six level display of weather,
multi-radar tracking and easy and rapid incorporation of new hardware and
software features. The FAA and DoD plan to procure up to 331 STARS for
terminal ATC facilities.
Raytheon Company, based in Lexington, Mass., is a global technology leader
that provides products and services in the areas of commercial and defense
electronics and business and special mission aircraft. Raytheon has
operations throughout the United States and serves customers in more than 80
countries.
Note to Editors: Photos of the new Eglin AFB ATC equipment are available
from the contact.
Contact:
Blanche Necessary
202.314.3780
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Blanche Necessary of Raytheon, 202-314-3780
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