General Dynamics Receives $25 Million Production Order

General Dynamics C4 Systems has received the first production order from the FAA for new software-defined, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) CM-300/350 UHF and VHF air traffic control (ATC) radios, related accessories and training materials. The $25 million order will begin a new chapter in ground-to-air communications as the next-generation radios deliver crisp, clear communication between pilots and air traffic controllers. Based on the FAA's implementation schedule, the radios will be installed in airport terminal ATC sites, regional control centers and other aviation facilities throughout the United States. 

The CM-300/350 radios will replace the FAA's legacy analog radios, some of which are more than 40 years old. With VoIP capability built-in, the new radios will pave the way for a networked ground infrastructure that will provide a more efficient and cost-effective use of National Airspace System (NAS) resources used by air traffic controllers. 

Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems, said, "The FAA estimates that the number of air travelers will almost double in the next 20 years, which underscores the importance of these radios in keeping air traffic controllers communicating effectively with every pilot in an increasingly congested and complex national airspace."

This is the first production order for the radios and follows a $10 million initial award to General Dynamics to qualify and certify the new radios less than a year after the design contract was awarded to the company. The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract awarded to General Dynamics in April 2012 is part of the FAA's Next Generation Air-Ground Communications (NEXCOM) Segment 2 program.

FMI: www.gd.com, www.faa.gov