Raytheon wins US Air Force quick-deploy ATC contract

Raytheon will supply a rapidly deployable air traffic control (ATC) system to the US Air Force under a contract announced on 20 May. The contract, with a potential full value of $260 million, calls for one Engineering and Manufacturing Development unit plus production options for up to 18 Deployable Radar Approach Control (D-RAPCON) systems.

The ‘air traffic control in a box’ D-RAPCON system can be delivered anywhere in the world and then be fully operational controlling flights within six hours. It is designed for global military operations, including emergency and humanitarian missions.

D-RAPCON provides sequencing, separation of aircraft, navigation assistance and airspace control services, all with the latest digital sensors, communications equipment and advanced surveillance data processing systems.

The system consists of a transportable antenna plus three trailer-sized shelters that house radar equipment, communications systems, and an operations centre with multiple controller work stations. Each station has the same look and feel of what a controller would see at a major airport.

Joseph Paone, director of Air Traffic Management in Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business, said: ‘Our deployable system capitalises on many years of investment and testing, and will support safe and efficient airspace operations in areas where air traffic infrastructure is compromised or non-existent.’

Raytheon has been issued $50.6 million for the early development stage of the contract. The company will supply ten of the units to the Air National Guard, seven to the active-duty Air Force Space Command, one to the air force ATC school and one to the air force depot.