The contract is part of
the $150 million Data Communications Network Services (DCNS) element of Harris’
Data Communications Integrated Services (DCIS) Program. Aircraft digital data
communication is one of the primary components of the FAA’s NextGen system.
Moving air traffic control from voice to data communications will increase
efficiency and safety. In Europe for example,
it is estimated that, when all aircraft are fully equipped, the addition of
data link usage for ATC will increase capacity by 11 percent.
John O'Sullivan, Vice
President, Civil Programs, Harris Government Communications Systems, said:
“Teaming with SITA allows us to provide a VHF data link network providing
service to the FAA; enabling the movement away from voice communications for air
traffic control to digital data connectivity.”
SITA is a
telecommunications provider owned by the airline community operating a global
VHF data link (VDL) ground station network that enables aircraft communications
with airlines and ATC operators. Since 1999, SITA has provided the FAA oceanic
centers with access to aircraft avionics called Future Air Navigation Systems
(FANS-1/A), enabling a revolution in oceanic ATC. With this network from SITA
and Harris, all of the FAA’s ATC center systems will be able to communicate
with FANS 1/A equipped aircraft. These avionics use the airline industry
standard ACARS data link system. Harris will deploy an ACARS message processor
using SITA software, to process all the FAA messages in a secure environment
and send the airline communications via SITA.
Philip Clinch, Vice
President Aircraft Services, SITA, said: “SITA uses Harris VDL stations to
provide data link networks to the European Air Navigation Service Providers
(ANSPs) complying with the Single European Sky mandate. We responded to the FAA
selection of Harris to provide their NextGen VHF data link service by providing
Harris the means to deliver this required service, while also guaranteeing
FAA-compliant service to the many airlines that use SITA AIRCOM in the USA
SITA has been promoting,
and enabling, the move of ATC to data link since the air transport community
launched the first standardization 25 years ago. It developed the required
technology in a cost-efficient way and deployed it through network partnerships
with ANSPs.
Clinch, added: “We at SITA
have been strong supporters of the move of ATC to data link and recognize that
the ATC use of VHF data link will overtake airline usage to become the defining
factor that keeps VHF technology at the forefront in aircraft communications.”
