Northrop Grumman Corporation announced Monday it has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to modify transmitters on 135 ASR-9 air traffic control radars. The upgrade program aims to provide cost-effective enhancements in performance and operational availability, while reducing operation and maintenance costs.

"Every major airport in America has an ASR-9 radar built by Northrop Grumman," said Tom Chrzanowski, director of FAA Air Traffic Management Systems at Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector. "All told, these radars enable air traffic controllers to monitor the arrival and departure of over 90 percent of all domestic air traffic, and provide important air surveillance information over major metropolitan areas for homeland security and defense. The transmitter modification will simplify the process by which the ASR-9 generates a tracking pulse.

"The modification will reduce potential outages and costs, while providing a modular framework for potential future enhancements. Minimizing present radar operational costs will help enable the transition toward the next-generation air traffic control system. We are pleased to continue our legacy of providing cost-effective solutions in support of the FAA's National Airspace System."

This $40 million award is the latest in the FAA's multi-phase, ASR-9 sustainment program, intended to extend the service life of the ASR-9 through the year 2025. Prior service phases involved weather and processing system upgrades, a detailed service life extension study, development of a proof-of-concept system, and validation of specific antenna and transmitter modifications. The program is administered by the FAA's Air Traffic Organization.

Northrop Grumman touts over 30 years experience in the design, production and support of more than 400 ground based surveillance radar systems for the FAA. These key National Airspace System elements support enroute, terminal and airport operations and provide critical surveillance information to the departments of Homeland Security and Defense for homeland security purposes. In addition, Northrop Grumman continues to produce and deliver modification kits for a variety of long-range surveillance radars for the FAA, Department of Defense and international military customers.

FMI: www.northropgrumman.com, www.faa.gov