Raytheon [RTN] recently edged out Lockheed Martin [LMT] for an Air Force contract potentially worth $260 million to produce up to 18 Deployable Radar Approach Control (D-RAPCON) systems.
D-RAPCON is a rapidly deployable air traffic control system that can be delivered anywhere in the world and then, in six hours, be fully operational and controlling flights, according to a Raytheon statement. The contract calls for one engineering and development (EMD) unit plus production options for up to 18 systems. The Air Force April 24 awarded Raytheon $50.6 million for the EMD stage. Ten of the units will be delivered to the Air National Guard, seven to Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), one to the Air Force air traffic control school and one to the Air Force depot.
D-RAPCON provides sequencing, separation of aircraft, navigation assistance and airspace control services, all with the latest digital sensors, communications equipment and advanced surveillance data processing systems. The Raytheon solution shares many common elements with existing Defense Department air traffic control infrastructure.
D-RAPCON consists of a transportable antenna plus three trailer-sized shelters that house radar equipment, communication systems and an operations center with multiple controller work stations. Each station has the same look and feel of what a controller would see at a major airport.
Raytheon and Lockheed Martin submitted their D-RAPCON bids last July.