Apr 22 2014
Exelis has completed a nationwide infrastructure upgrade that will enable air traffic controllers to track aircraft with greater accuracy and reliability while giving pilots more information in the cockpit.
Exelis, a global leader in critical network solutions, was selected in 2007 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to design, deploy, operate and maintain a radio network. The network supports a satellite-based surveillance system to track aircraft with the help of GPS. Called Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), it provides more accurate aircraft location information than the current radar system. The ADS-B program is the cornerstone of the FAA’s Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) initiative to modernize air traffic control in the U.S.
The outstanding performance in engineering and executing the ADS-B program is exemplary of the Exelis growth strategy to provide end-to-end critical network solutions.
“The completion of the ADS-B network is a landmark achievement for the FAA, Exelis and for the flying public,” said Pam Drew, president of Exelis Information Systems. “Exelis has met every FAA operational, functional and performance milestone while keeping the ADS-B program on schedule and within budget. As the lead systems integrator, Exelis considers the ADS-B program as core to our portfolio of critical network solutions that enable us to provide technologies and services that support the full lifecycle of customers’ needs. We are honored to partner with the exceptional FAA program team to revolutionize air traffic control in the U.S. and continue the FAA’s legacy of safe and efficient air transportation.”
Under the program Exelis has deployed 634 complex ground stations across the continental United States and in locations in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and approximately 100 service delivery points in FAA facilities. The deployed system is being operated and maintained by Exelis under FAA supervision and is providing high-performance surveillance and aviation safety services that meet the technical performance measures established by the FAA.
ADS-B technology enables more accurate tracking of airplanes and airport vehicles on runways and taxiways, increasing safety and efficiency. The system significantly improves surveillance capability in areas with geographic challenges like mountains or over water. In addition to improved safety and efficiency, ADS-B technology results in less impact to the environment and less cost to maintain.
Source: http://www.exelisinc.com/