Terminal Automation and Replacement (TAMR)
The Terminal Automation Modernization and Replacement (TAMR) program is a capital program that employs a phased approach to modernizing the air traffic control systems that controllers use at, or near, the nation’s major airports. The first phase of the program – TAMR Phase 1 – replaces the automated radar processing and display systems at 47 Terminal Radar Approach Control facilities or TRACONs, and their associated air traffic control towers.
TAMR Phase 2 involves replacement of automation systems at 5 additional TRACONs and the modernization of air traffic controller displays and system processors at 4 large TRACONs including Denver and Chicago. A third phase to the Program is being planned that will modernize or replace the automation systems at additional air traffic control facilities to support the increasing demand for air traffic services.
Typical terminal area air traffic control services include the separation and sequencing of air traffic, the provision of traffic alerts and weather advisories, and radar vectoring for departing and arriving traffic.
Status
By the end of l 2006, 43 TRACONs sites were using new automation systems to control air traffic. The automation systems at an additional 10 TRACONs will be replaced or modernized by the end of 2008.
The FAA is fielding a set of solutions designed to meet the operational needs at each location. These include entire automation system replacements with the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS), developed by Raytheon, and upgrades to the Automated Radar Terminal System (ARTS), developed by Lockheed Martin.