A North Carolina-based company will soon deploy the next-generation surveillance radars to modernize the U.S. National Airspace System. Collins Aerospace has been awarded a $438 million contract by the Federal Aviation Administration to support the Radar System Replacement program, a cornerstone of the agency’s effort to modernize the U.S. National Airspace System.
The program is a key part of the Department of Transportation’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System.
The company will deliver next-generation cooperative and non-cooperative radar systems, giving air traffic controllers reliable and secure information to support operations.
New radars will simplify operations by replacing multiple legacy systems
These new radars will simplify operations by replacing multiple legacy systems with a unified, cost-effective and adaptable architecture.
“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to the FAA for more than 70 years, Collins is ready to rapidly deploy next-generation radar systems that replace outdated technology with a single, modern and interoperable solution,” said Nate Boelkins, president of Avionics at Collins Aerospace.
“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.”
Cooperative surveillance radar
The company revealed that the new 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.
More than 550 RTX radar systems are already operating within the national airspace today, providing a proven foundation for large-scale modernization. RTX’s Condor Mk3 and ASR-XM radar systems provide precise aircraft tracking, especially at lower altitudes, according to a press release.
Secondary surveillance radar (SSR) — also called cooperative surveillance radar — provides precise aircraft identification, altitude, and tracking by interrogating aircraft transponders. Collins Aerospace delivers proven Mode S and monopulse SSR (MSSR) systems, including the next-generation Condor Mk3, supporting civil and military airspace worldwide.
The Condor Mk3 builds on Collins’ successful SSR heritage to provide high-duty cycle transmitter for superior detection and has built-in ADS-B decoding with patented algorithms.
The system also needs reduced maintenance with fewer line replaceable units and offers reliable performance in dense or cluttered airspace
The system combines advanced cooperative radar technology with proven operational reliability.