Northrop Grumman, EADS team on ATC IFF systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation's Electronic Sensors and Systems Sector (ES3) and EADS have signed a teaming agreement focused on the introduction of a new standard in cost-effective monopulse secondary surveillance radar for the ground-based air traffic control (ATC) market.The agreement is exclusive to international ATC applications.

As the companies announced on Tuesday, the new radar system will incorporate the proven technology and heritage of Northrop Grumman ATC system architecture and the EADS MSSR 2000 I/ATC Interrogator for safe and efficient air traffic management.

The agreement is part of the expansion of co-operation of EADS and Northrop Grumman, which share a common pavilion at Le Bourget. Following a general Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2000, numerous collaborative projects in the whole field of C4ISR have been evaluated. Most recently, at Le Bourget on Monday, an agreement on the development of a system solution for NATO's Airborne Ground Surveillance requirement was been signed.

The new air traffic control monopulse secondary radar, called the ATCMS 2000, is a ground-based dual channel secondary surveillance radar with a maximum operational range of 250nm.The ATCMS 2000 is designed to provide both terminal and enroute service and will interrogate aircraft and decode replies in modes 1,2,3/A,C and Mode S. The architecture of the ATCMS 2000 supports the risk-free migration from MSSR to Mode S. Upgrades are also possible for modes B,D,4 and 5. The ATCMS is available in two configurations, colocated with the Northrop Grumman ASR-12 solid-state airport surveillance radar or stand-alone.

"EADS and Northrop Grumman are bringing together an optimal mix of core competenciesto provide this new product," said Don Wilhelm, vice president of Northrop Grumman's Airspace Management Systems.

"The increase in air traffic, the demand for economic operation and stringent safety regulations create growing demand in the ATC market," explained Johann Heitzmann, head of EADS Airborne Systems, "which we can meet in a very cost-effective way by combining the existing concepts and comprehensive proficiency of our companies in this field."

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