FAA Taps L3Harris To Modernize Surveillance Network

The FAA awarded L3Harris Technologies a contract on July 1 to upgrade and continue operating the U.S. aircraft tracking network through 2045. A contract value was not disclosed.

Under the contract, L3Harris will upgrade more than 700 ground stations that deliver real-time, satellite-based flight positioning data to air traffic controllers nationwide. The company will also deploy security measures to protect airspace data and expand surveillance capabilities to track emerging entrants in the National Airspace System (NAS).

“L3Harris is propelling the FAA’s modernization vision forward by delivering an advanced surveillance infrastructure that will define the future of our airspace system and ensure increased safety for all air travelers,” said Kathy Crandall, president of mission networks, space, and mission systems at L3Harris. “By expanding network capacity, we’re ensuring the United States remains the global leader in air traffic management.”

L3Harris said it operates the largest terrestrial air traffic surveillance network in the world, integrating thousands of data sources and delivering information to hundreds of FAA and government facilities through a 24/7 network operations center. According to the company, the award builds on nearly two decades of operations supporting the FAA’s surveillance system.