Global Air Traffic Management (GATM)

The Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) program, funded under Program Element PE 0305099F, is a critical Air Force initiative focused on the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of operational systems to ensure the safe and efficient integration of Air Force aircraft into global civil and military airspace. Managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Aerospace Management Systems Division (AMSD), GATM serves as the designated Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) and Navigation Safety Center of Excellence (COE). The primary objective is to provide centralized avionics expertise and technical support to Headquarters Air Force, Major Commands (MAJCOMs), and over 30 weapon system program offices, ensuring compliance with evolving international aviation standards.

A key goal of the GATM program is to enable the Air Force to participate in and influence government and industry technical forums, as well as U.S. and international civil aviation standards bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA). Through this engagement, the Air Force ensures that its unique operational requirements are considered in the development of global aviation standards. This supports unrestricted access for both manned and unmanned Air Force aircraft in worldwide airspace.

CNS/ATM COE Administration of DoD Avionics Equipment Catalog (CNS/ATM II) is a specific line item within the GATM program. This effort maintains a centralized, pre-approved products catalog for CNS/ATM avionics equipment, navigation data, and technical engineering services. The catalog is used by implementing aircraft System Program Offices (SPOs) and supports numerous DoD, federal, and foreign military sales programs. The objective is to streamline procurement, ensure navigation safety, and provide preferred customer pricing and extended warranties. The program continues to update the catalog, including new transponder products, and monitors federal and military CNS/ATM mandates.

CNS/ATM COE Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File (DAFIF) Management is another critical component. This activity performs periodic audits of the processes and procedures used to develop and distribute electronic navigation databases, which are essential for safe flight operations under instrument flight rules (IFR). The COE works closely with DoD agencies and the FAA to ensure the validity and certification of these databases, supporting both manned and remotely piloted aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) and international environments. The objective is to maintain compliance with performance-based navigation (PBN) standards and ensure the integrity of critical flight information.

CNS/ATM COE Standards Bodies Engagement and Generic Performance Matrix (GPM) Development is focused on participating in technical forums to influence civil aviation standards and incorporate DoD interests. The COE develops and tailors generic and platform-specific performance matrices to ensure Air Force aircraft meet civil aviation requirements. This includes assisting platform program offices with test and evaluation plans, analyzing performance data, and preparing Performance Assessment Reports (PARs). The goal is to certify Air Force aircraft for safe and efficient operation in global civil airspace, in line with emerging CNS/ATM requirements.

The GATM program also supports modernization efforts across Air Force weapon systems, including upgrades for GPS M-Code, ARC-210 radio replacements, SATCOM enhancements, and performance-based navigation capabilities. The COE conducts interoperability testing, cybersecurity assessments, and performance monitoring to ensure these upgrades meet both military and civil aviation standards. Additionally, the program manages centralized Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contracts for CNS/ATM hardware and software procurement, streamlining acquisition for implementing SPOs.