RTX awarded FAA contract to deploy next-generation surveillance radars for the National Airspace System

Innovative, ready-now technologies will enhance safety, reduce operational complexity, and increase efficiency for all airspace users.

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has been awarded a $438 million contract by the Federal Aviation Administration to support the Radar System Replacement program, a cornerstone of the agency’s effort to modernize the U.S. National Airspace System. The program is a key part of the Department of Transportation’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System.

Collins will deliver next-generation cooperative and non-cooperative radar systems, providing air traffic controllers with reliable, secure information to support operations. These new radars will simplify operations by replacing multiple legacy systems with a unified, cost-effective, and adaptable architecture.

“As a trusted supplier to the FAA for more than 70 years, Collins is ready to rapidly deploy next-generation radar systems that replace outdated technology with a single, modern, and interoperable solution,” said Nate Boelkins, president of Avionics at Collins Aerospace. “These systems integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, enhance safety and efficiency for air traffic controllers, reduce long-term costs, and ensure the system is prepared for the future of the National Airspace.”

Systems will include the Condor Mk3, a cooperative surveillance radar capable of communicating directly with aircraft transponders, and the ASR-XM, a non-cooperative radar that detects aircraft using reflected signals. Both are qualified to meet FAA surveillance requirements through prior test-site certification activities.

More than 550 RTX radar systems are already operating in the national airspace, providing a proven foundation for large-scale modernization. RTX’s Condor Mk3 and ASR-XM radar systems provide precise aircraft tracking, especially at lower altitudes.