Lockheed Martin [LMT] and Raytheon [RTN] submitted bids for the Air Force’s Deployable Radar Approach Control (D-RAPCON) modern air traffic control (ATC) radar program, the companies said recently.
Both Lockheed Martin and Raytheon said recently in emails they submitted their bids for D-RAPCON. Lockheed Martin is teaming with ARINC to provide a solution that integrates field-proven systems such as Lockheed Martin’s TPS-79 tactical surveillance radar and the Federal Aviation Administration- (FAA) certified Microprocessor-En Route Automated Radar Tracking System (Micro-EARTS).
Lockheed Martin’s offer also includes ARINC’s transportable ATC operations shelter. ARINC provides communications, engineering and integration solutions for commercial, defense and government customers worldwide, according to its website.
Raytheon, teaming with Harris Corp. [HRS], is offering a solution consisting of primary and secondary ATC radars integrated with a quick set-up and deployable radar antenna, a self-contained deployable ATC operations center, an ATC voice (UHF/VHF) communications system and secured network data communications. Raytheon said it has developed a low-risk, highly interoperable solution through the incorporation of fielded and proven subsystems, including the Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR)/ASR-11 and the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS), both of which the company said is in full rate production (FRP).
The Air Force will procure under D-RAPCON 19 ATC surveillance radar systems, which can deploy within 48 hours worldwide by C-130 cargo aircraft and take less than six hours to set up, Lockheed Martin said in a statement. The total program value is estimated at $672.5 million, according to an Air Force statement.
C-130s are developed by Lockheed Martin.
D-RAPCON will replace aging and difficult to maintain ATC systems in service, including the more than 40-year old AN/TPN-19 landing control center, Lockheed Martin said in a statement. Ten D-RAPCON systems will go to the Air National Guard, seven to Air Force Space Command units and one each to the Air Force’s ATC school and depot.
D-RAPCON, which will improve radar accuracy and reliability, will be composed of two sub-systems, air surveillance radar and operations, each of which can be separately deployed, the Air Force said in a statement.
The Air Force anticipates the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) contract being awarded in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 with a value of $50.5 million, it said in a statement.