FAA Signals Raytheon to Improve Air Traffic Control System

Under a $73 contract modification, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has asked Raytheon Company to improve the agency's air traffic control system. The company will perform the Technical Refresh 1 of the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). STARS is the automated air traffic control system operated by the FAA and DOD to manage airspace in both large, complex terminal areas, such as New York, and as well as in smaller, security-sensitive airspace. The update will allow future air traffic control tools to be incorporated into STARS to enhance the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. The FAA is considering adding control tools such as performance-based navigation for more precise flight paths, analytics for improved terminal area weather and unmanned aircraft system services for improved situational awareness. "This upgrade will enable the FAA to develop and implement future air traffic management technologies and increase system capacity and reliability," said Bob Delorge, vice president, Transportation and Support Services, Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services. "These improvements will be especially important in the busy, high-priority Northeast Corridor."