The federal government has chosen RTX and the Spanish company Indra to take on the important task of replacing 612 air traffic radar systems across the country. This replacement initiative comes as part of a significant overhaul of the United States' air traffic control system, a project that carries a hefty price tag of approximately $20 billion as per Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's announcement.
The aging radar systems, many of which date back to the 1980s, have become increasingly difficult and costly to maintain. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford expressed the urgency of the matter, noting that some of the existing equipment is no longer manufactured, requiring the agency to source spare components from unconventional sources, including platforms like eBay.
Technical issues with the antiquated radar systems had severe repercussions earlier this year, when failures led to major delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport, illustrating the fragile state of the current infrastructure. Duffy emphasized the importance of upgrading these critical systems to ensure the safety of air travel.
While the FAA has already allocated more than $6 billion towards the overhaul from the $12.5 billion budget approved by Congress, it anticipates that an additional $20 billion will be needed to see the project through to completion, which is slated for the end of 2028, coinciding with the conclusion of President Trump's current term in office.
Overall, this ambitious project intends not just to replace the aging equipment, but also to streamline maintenance processes and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of the nation’s air traffic control operations.
The aging radar systems, many of which date back to the 1980s, have become increasingly difficult and costly to maintain. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford expressed the urgency of the matter, noting that some of the existing equipment is no longer manufactured, requiring the agency to source spare components from unconventional sources, including platforms like eBay.
Technical issues with the antiquated radar systems had severe repercussions earlier this year, when failures led to major delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport, illustrating the fragile state of the current infrastructure. Duffy emphasized the importance of upgrading these critical systems to ensure the safety of air travel.
While the FAA has already allocated more than $6 billion towards the overhaul from the $12.5 billion budget approved by Congress, it anticipates that an additional $20 billion will be needed to see the project through to completion, which is slated for the end of 2028, coinciding with the conclusion of President Trump's current term in office.
Overall, this ambitious project intends not just to replace the aging equipment, but also to streamline maintenance processes and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of the nation’s air traffic control operations.
