FAA selects ITT for satellite-based ATC system.

ITT Corporation has been selected by the FAA as the prime contractor for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), which is destined to play a key role in the Next Generation Air Transportation System. The new system promises to significantly reduce delays and enhance safety by using precise signals from the Global Navigation Satellite System instead of those from traditional radar to pinpoint aircraft locations. ITT will be required to have the system ready for use by 2010 and enable it to cover the entire nation by 2013.

The ITT team will work with the FAA to deploy a nationwide air traffic control surveillance network consisting of field radio sites, data processing centers, network operations centers, and equipment to enable delivery of surveillance data to air traffic control facilities. The deployed ADS-B surveillance network is designed to provide more accurate and rapidly updating position data using GPS to determine aircraft position. Other major benefits of the system highlighted by ITT include:

--a surveillance network that is more cost effective than today's network of radar systems;

--a potential future data link for delivery of safety information to aircraft cockpits, and

--a mechanism for future air-to-air exchange of position data which will dramatically enhance pilot situational awareness.

The period of performance for the initial contract is three years, with a contract value of $207 million. The contract is worth approximately $1.8 billion from 2007 to 2025. ITT will build the ADS-B ground stations and own and operate the equipment. The FAA will pay subscription charges for ADS-B broadcasts transmitted to properly equipped aircraft and air traffic control facilities.