Air Traffic Control, Approach, and Landing System (ATCALS)

Mission — Air Traffic Control System source

To support the Air Force worldwide flying mission, the Air Traffic Control and Landing System (ATCALS) program element funds research, development, and management of fielded and emerging air traffic control communications, surveillance, automation, positioning, and precision approach and landing systems. ATCALS programs are focused on development of technology and strategies to support Agile Combat Employment (ACE) adaptive basing and agile basing concepts of operation as well as modernizing airfield operations to ensure enduring, resilient, efficient, and safe air operations. ATCALS also pursues opportunities in the organization, training, and equipping of ATC associated career fields and any new civil ATCALS technologies that may have military utility. ATCALS currently includes three programs: Air Traffic Control (ATC) Future Technology (AFT), development of a Man-Portable (MP) Tactical Navigation (TACAN) Electronically Scanned Antenna (ESA), and development of a Multi-Function Tactical Radar System (MTRS). 1. AFT is a multi-project program focused on identifying and documenting capability gaps and associated future technologies in multiple areas of aircraft launch and recovery for both fixed and expeditionary operations. These gaps and technologies will be outlined in a bridging strategy, capability-based assessments, and capability roadmaps. FY26 AFT research and development programs span multiple projects that include the following: - The Small Footprint Precision Approach and Landing Capability (SF-PALC) effort aims to reduce the footprint, transport and set-up time for delivering instrument landing system capabilities in an Agile Combat Employment (ACE) Environment. This effort is developing and comparing a Lightweight Deployable Instrument Landing System (LD-ILS) and a Mode-5 (Identification Friend or Foe) capable Tactical Transponder Landing System (TTLS). -The Flight Inspection Drone project purchases two prototype systems for evaluation against Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Air Force flight inspection requirements. The goal is to reduce flight inspections, fuel costs, and inspection time while also reducing exposure in a contested environment. -The Tactical ATC Command and Control (C2) Operating Systems (TACOS) will automate and display sensor feeds and includes the communication radios and voice switch needed by controllers to communicate to host nations, other agencies and aircraft. As these and other technologies and architectures mature, any applicable fixed-base or deployable, ground-system upgrades will be coordinated and fielded concurrently with related manned and unmanned aircraft avionics capabilities as required. When implemented, these efforts will enable DoD aircraft to enhance safety, security, efficiency, and affordability of global flight operations. 2. The Man Portable-Tactical Navigation (MP-TACAN) Electronically Scanned Antenna (ESA) will replace the MP-TACAN mechanical rotating antenna. It will improve system reliability and reduce system weight. The MP-TACAN provides aircraft with point-to point navigating and instrument flight approaches to operating sites/landing zones and is critical to mission success in adverse weather conditions and Global positioning System denied operations. 3. The Multi-function Tactical Radar System (MTRS) will be capable of supporting Air Traffic Control (ATC) surveillance and communication, weather alerts, small Unmanned Arial System (sUAS) detection, and air base air defense situational awareness. It replaces the unsupportable legacy (1970's-era) AN/TPN-19 and MPN-14K mobile ATC systems, the last of which will be decommissioned in 2027. FY26 request was reduced by 0.258 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiatives. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY24 0.162M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY25 0.000 is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (3)