Compatible Technology To Be Developed For Civilian And Military Aircraft

The Rudd Labor Government has overseen an agreement to implement an integrated national air traffic management system between the Royal Australian Air Force and Airservices Australia.

By purchasing and developing compatible equipment and technology together, the RAAF and Airservices will provide better value for money and potentially save taxpayers millions of dollars. The Rudd government says it will deliver safer and better planned air traffic control over the nation's skies, reduce overlaps, increase cooperation, improve communication between civil and military air traffic control and deliver better training of air traffic controllers.

Airservices and the RAAF have signed a Joint Operational Concept to develop and implement harmonized civil and military air traffic management systems. Both the RAAF and Airservices will be undergoing major equipment upgrades and replacement over the next five to seven years, and this approach will ensure alignment of multi-million dollar procurement processes scheduled to replace ageing and separate air traffic management infrastructure and systems in both organizations.

Under the harmonized arrangements, the Government will ensure that the unique operational requirements of the RAAF are maintained. The joint purchasing of air traffic management equipment and technology will include automation systems, tower automation systems, radar and navigational aid equipment, and training and simulation systems.

The RAAF and Airservices will approach the international market with a Request For Information to establish what technologies and resources are available to deliver the next generation of air traffic management, taking in account the specific needs of both organizations.

FMI: www.airservicesaustralia.com