Air Traffic Control, Approach, and Landing System (ATCALS)
Category: RDT&E
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Line Item: 0305114F
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FY25 Budget Request: $15.1M
Overview
Budget Account
3600F - Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force
Budget Activity
07 - Operational system development
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Next Year
Description
The Air Traffic Control, Approach, and Landing System (ATCALS) program is designed to support the Air Force's global flying mission by advancing air traffic control technologies. It focuses on developing and managing both existing and new air traffic control communications, surveillance, automation, positioning, and precision approach systems. Key objectives include supporting Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts and modernizing airfield operations to enhance safety, efficiency, and resilience. ATCALS also aims to integrate new civil technologies with potential military applications.
A primary component of ATCALS is the Air Traffic Control Future Technology (AFT) initiative. This multi-project effort seeks to identify capability gaps in aircraft launch and recovery operations for both fixed and expeditionary settings. AFT's goals include developing a Man-Portable TACAN High Powered Beacon Amplifier to extend range and coverage, improving Lightweight Deployable Instrument Landing Systems for faster deployment, and transitioning the Multi-Band Multi-Function Tactical Radar System (MTRS) into a standalone development program.
The Man-Portable TACAN Electronically Scanned Antenna (MP-TACAN ESA) project aims to replace older mechanical antennas with electronically scanned versions to improve reliability and reduce weight. This system is crucial for navigation in adverse weather or GPS-denied environments. The project includes the development of prototypes for testing and qualification before integration into broader procurement efforts.
Another critical element within ATCALS is the Multi-Band Multi-Function Tactical Radar System (MTRS). It focuses on developing a radar system that supports multiple functions such as air defense, force protection, and weather processing while reducing lifecycle costs. The MTRS program will transition from technology demonstration to full-scale development in FY25, aiming to address current capability gaps in expeditionary air traffic control operations.
A primary component of ATCALS is the Air Traffic Control Future Technology (AFT) initiative. This multi-project effort seeks to identify capability gaps in aircraft launch and recovery operations for both fixed and expeditionary settings. AFT's goals include developing a Man-Portable TACAN High Powered Beacon Amplifier to extend range and coverage, improving Lightweight Deployable Instrument Landing Systems for faster deployment, and transitioning the Multi-Band Multi-Function Tactical Radar System (MTRS) into a standalone development program.
The Man-Portable TACAN Electronically Scanned Antenna (MP-TACAN ESA) project aims to replace older mechanical antennas with electronically scanned versions to improve reliability and reduce weight. This system is crucial for navigation in adverse weather or GPS-denied environments. The project includes the development of prototypes for testing and qualification before integration into broader procurement efforts.
Another critical element within ATCALS is the Multi-Band Multi-Function Tactical Radar System (MTRS). It focuses on developing a radar system that supports multiple functions such as air defense, force protection, and weather processing while reducing lifecycle costs. The MTRS program will transition from technology demonstration to full-scale development in FY25, aiming to address current capability gaps in expeditionary air traffic control operations.
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Budget Trend
Air Traffic Control, Approach, and Landing System (ATCALS) Research Development, Test & Evaluation Programs (0305114F) budget history and request
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Enacted | Requested | Forecasted | Forecasted | Forecasted | Forecasted |
| $31,920,000 | $25,309,000 | $18,830,000 | $17,732,000 | $5,791,000 | $12,873,000 | $8,394,000 | $5,729,000 | $15,266,000 | $6,729,000 | $8,751,000 | $15,143,000 | $17,883,000 | $13,978,000 | $11,481,000 | $11,708,000 |
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Enacted | Requested | Forecasted | Forecasted | Forecasted | Forecasted |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 17,732 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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FY2025 Defense Budget Detail
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FY2025 Budget Released: 03/09/24