FAA Awards Contracts for Radar System Modernization
The federal government has selected two companies, RTX and Spanish firm Indra, to replace 612 radar systems nationwide. This initiative forms part of a multibillion-dollar overhaul of the nation's air traffic control system.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Monday that the new radar systems are scheduled for replacement by the summer of 2028. The administration's objective is to complete the comprehensive overhaul by the end of 2028.
Rationale for System Upgrade
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the existing radar network is outdated, with many units having exceeded their intended service life. This condition has resulted in increased maintenance expenditures and support challenges.
The FAA's $3 billion equipment budget has primarily been allocated to maintaining the current infrastructure. This system includes components that utilize floppy discs, and some equipment is no longer manufactured, requiring the FAA to locate spare parts through alternative means.
Past technical failures have affected air traffic control operations. For instance, radar outages occurred twice last spring at Newark Liberty International Airport, leading to flight cancellations and delays. There have been reported instances where both primary and backup systems failed, as observed at the Philadelphia facility managing air traffic for Newark airport.
Project Scope and Funding
The FAA has not yet provided an estimated cost for the new radar systems. These systems are designed to replace 14 distinct existing radar types currently in use across the country, with the aim of simplifying maintenance and repair processes.
Congress approved $12.5 billion for the overhaul, and the FAA has committed over $6 billion of this amount. Secretary Duffy has indicated that an additional $20 billion may be necessary to complete the project.
Progress has been made in modernizing other aspects of the system. Over one-third of the outdated copper wires have been replaced with modern connections, including fiber optic lines. Peraton, a national security contractor, has been engaged to oversee the modernization efforts.