ESC completes Taiwan Air Traffic Control radar work

  • Published
  • By Chuck Paone
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  The Electronic Systems Center and prime contractor ITT Gilfillan of Van Nuys, Calif., recently completed work on 10 air traffic radar sites for the Taiwan Air Force.

The effort began with a $76 million contract, let in June 2003, which required ITT to deliver three new radar sites, upgrade six existing sites, and revamp one additional radar into a solid state configuration. The radar used is known as AN/MPN-14K Radar Approach Control, often referred to as RAPCON. It is used to support the sequencing and separation of aircraft; provide navigation assistance; and provide terminal airspace control services in poor visibility conditions.

"This is an important capability, since bad weather and poor visibility are often the case in Taiwan's airspace," said Jamison Murray, ESC Security Assistance program manager.

The 853rd Electronic Systems Group's Foreign Military Sales team achieved final flight certification earlier this year.

The upgrade kits for the RAPCON sites brings the existing legacy systems up to the full operational capability and performance levels of the new solid state configuration, said Brian Schultz, 853 ELSG FMS director. These upgrades improve reliability through the use of solid state components and achieve higher performance by incorporating advanced electronic antenna components, improved displays, and enhanced signal processing.

Successfully completing the installations and certifying all these systems as "operational" was a significant accomplishment, Mr. Schultz said, adding that the team overcame many challenges and unknown obstacles to accomplish the work. 

"We have some post-operational issues we are working to ensure a smooth deployment, but the major technical challenges were met through the great teamwork and dedication of this government-Industry team," he said.

Mr. Murray said that additional challenges included overcoming language barriers, time zone differences and equipment delivery to Taiwan from the contractor's US facility. He attributes the program's success to the dedicated team comprised of members from ESC, ITT, and the Taiwan Air Force.

"The teamwork and commitment by all parties were instrumental in ensuring this program stayed on track," said Al Kelley, acting director of the 853rd.