Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has secured a US$438 million contract from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support the Radar System Replacement programme, a central element of efforts to modernise the United States National Airspace System. The programme forms a key component of the Department of Transportation’s wider initiative to deliver a brand-new air traffic control system.
Under the contract, Collins Aerospace will supply next-generation cooperative and non-cooperative radar systems designed to provide air traffic controllers with secure, reliable and accurate surveillance data. The new radars will streamline air traffic control operations by replacing several ageing legacy systems with a single, unified architecture that is more cost-effective, adaptable and easier to maintain.
Collins has a long-standing relationship with the FAA, having supplied surveillance and avionics solutions to the agency for more than 70 years. The company says this experience positions it well to rapidly deploy modern radar technology that integrates smoothly with existing infrastructure while delivering significant performance improvements.
According to Nate Boelkins, President of Avionics at Collins Aerospace, the new systems will enhance safety and operational efficiency for controllers, reduce long-term operating costs and ensure the national airspace is prepared for future demands. He emphasised that replacing outdated technology with a modern, interoperable solution is critical as traffic volumes and system complexity continue to increase.
The contract includes delivery of the Condor Mk3 cooperative surveillance radar, which communicates directly with aircraft transponders, and the ASR-XM non-cooperative radar, which detects aircraft by analysing reflected signals. Both systems have already been qualified to meet FAA surveillance requirements through prior test-site certification, reducing deployment risk and accelerating implementation.
RTX radar technology is already well established across the United States. More than 550 RTX radar systems are currently in operation within the national airspace, providing a proven foundation for large-scale modernisation. The Condor Mk3 and ASR-XM systems offer particularly precise aircraft tracking, including at lower altitudes, supporting safer and more efficient air traffic management nationwide.
