Air Traffic Control System

Abstract

To support the Air Force worldwide flying mission, the Air Traffic Control and Landing System (ATCALS) program element funds research, development, and management of fielded and emerging air traffic control communications, surveillance, automation, positioning, and precision approach and landing systems. ATCALS programs are focused on development of technology and strategies to support Agile Combat Employment (ACE) adaptive basing and agile basing concepts of operation as well as modernizing airfield operations to ensure enduring, resilient, efficient, and safe air operations. ATCALS also pursues opportunities in the organization, training, and equipping of ATC associated career fields and any new civil ATCALS technologies that may have military utility. ATCALS currently includes three programs: Air Traffic Control (ATC) Future Technology (AFT), development of a Man-Portable (MP) Tactical Navigation (TACAN) Electronically Scanned Antenna (ESA), and development of a Multi-Band (MB) Multi-Function Tactical Radar System (MTRS). In FY24 MB-MTRS funding was included in the AFT program line. In FY25 MB-MTRS is funded as a separate program. 1. AFT is a multi-project program focused on identifying and documenting capability gaps and associated future technologies in multiple areas of aircraft launch and recovery for both fixed and expeditionary operations. These gaps and technologies will be outlined in a bridging strategy, capability-based assessments, and capability roadmaps. FY25 AFT research and development programs span multiple projects that include the following: -The Man-Portable (MP) TACAN High Powered Beacon Amplifier (HPBA) project continues design qualification and verification testing of a prototype unit with increased range, coverage volume and operational capability. This technology will be incorporated into the MP-TACAN replacement program once mature and is separate from the development efforts to replace the mechanically scanned antenna with an electronically scanned antenna as discussed below. -Lightweight Deployable Instrument Landing System (LD-ILS) and Mode-5 (Identification Friend or Foe) capable Tactical Transponder Landing System (TTLS) aims to improve existing D-ILS technology to reduce transport and set-up times. -Multi-Band (MB), Multi-Function Tactical Radar (MTRS) will complete technology demonstration and transition to a stand-alone development program in FY25 leading to full-rate development decision in FY26. As these and other technologies and architectures mature, any applicable fixed-base or deployable, ground-system upgrades will be coordinated and fielded concurrently with related manned and unmanned aircraft avionics capabilities as required. When implemented, these efforts will enable DoD aircraft to enhance safety, security, efficiency, and affordability of global flight operations. 2. The MP-TACAN ESA will replace the MP-TACAN mechanical rotating antenna. It will improve system reliability and reduce system weight. The MP-TACAN provides aircraft with point-to point navigating and instrument flight approaches to operating sites/landing zones and is critical to mission success in adverse weather conditions and Global positioning System denied operations. &E and procurement of prototype units. The MP-TACAN ESA is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. FY24 RDT&E funding for PE 0305114F, ATCALS MP-TACAN ESA is in compliance with budgeted end items per the approved test strategy and FY23 Omnibus, Sec. 8059. Using FY24 funds, this effort will be complete in FY25 and integration of the electronically scanned antenna into the MP-TACAN procurement program will begin. 3. The FY25 MB-MTRS funding captures the results of the AFT MTRS development and establishes MTRS as a separate program to mature the technology and proceed to production. Funding supports a multi-band, multi-function capability, precision approach and ATC surveillance sensor to support expeditionary operations and precision approach radar, air defense, force protection and weather processing missions. Prototype system will provide a multifunction ATC radar that has lower total footprint and lifecycle cost than the current system. When developed and in production MB-MTRS will mitigate the current capability gap and support expeditionary ATC operations. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY23 $0.129M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY24 $0.162M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 673587_0305114F_7_3600_PB_2025

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Microelectronics
• Space