Lockheed Martin completes key computer upgrade at FAA air traffic control centers.

Lockheed Martin has completed the nationwide rollout of a critical computer upgrade at 23 air traffic control facilities ahead of schedule, helping the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continue its modernization of the core en route airspace system.

Older computer storage devices that are critical to radar and flight management functions were replaced by Lockheed Martin in a rapid deployment of faster, more reliable technology at air route traffic control centers (ARTCC) across the country. The devices hold key data that is used to recreate and analyze unusual air traffic control events, ultimately improving safety. Teams of technical specialists from Lockheed Martin replaced the 14-year-old technology as part of the Host and Oceanic Computer System Replacement (HOCSR) program with the FAA.

"The HOCSR upgrade has been a very solid success for the FAA and is another important step in the agency's efforts to modernize the National Airspace System infrastructure," said Sue Corcoran, vice president for North American Programs at Lockheed Martin Air Traffic Management. "The delivery we have completed is another example of Lockheed Martin's continuing commitment to meeting FAA schedule and budget requirements."

The Host and Oceanic computers are the foundation of the FAA automated air traffic control environment. They receive, process, coordinate, distribute and track information on aircraft movement throughout the nation's upper airspace and in the oceanic airspace at its borders. The new system is almost five times faster and significantly more reliable than its predecessor.

The HOCSR contract, divided into four phases, was awarded in 1998 and is valued at approximately $226 million. The first phase of the program, which upgraded mainframe computers, was successfully achieved at the first center, New York, in 11 months. Within 17 months of the startup date, all 23 sites had achieved government acceptance. In Phase 2, software was developed to update the control program software; upgrade of the storage devices was done under Phase 3. Phase 4, the final phase of the program, will complete the upgrade of the remaining peripheral hardware that comprises the Host Computer System.

"Even with the HOCSR modernization, a complete overhaul of the underlying software infrastructure will be needed for continued efficiency, capacity and functional improvements," said Corcoran. "Lockheed Martin will re-architect the infrastructure through the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) program. ERAM is critical to the ongoing evolution of the National Airspace System and will provide a modular, expandable and supportable infrastructure capable of providing flexible routing, more accurate and timely surveillance information, and improved security and safety functions."

Lockheed Martin Air Traffic Management has four decades' experience in delivering advanced air traffic management solutions to customers worldwide, and focuses on systems integration, engineering design, development, test, delivery and support of Communications, Navigation, Surveillance (CNS/ATM) systems. With its solid record of on-schedule, on-budget performance, the company has earned the prestigious Air Traffic Control Association's Industry Award in four of the last six years. A registered ISO 9001 company, Air Traffic Management employs approximately 1,300 people at major facilities in Rockville, Atlantic City, N.J., Eagan, Minn., and Southampton, England.

Lockheed Martin, with headquarters in Bethesda, Md., is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics, and technology services.