Terminal Automation Modernization and Replacement (TAMR)

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The FAA's Terminal Automation Modernization and Replacement (TAMR) program is designed to modernize the air traffic control systems at all the nation's major airports. TAMR's mission is to "successfully combine and upgrade multiple air traffic control technologies to a single state of the art platform, STARS, the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, which will provide increased safety and efficiency within the National Airspace System."

The first phase of the program — TAMR Phase 1 (1996-2004) — replaced the automated radar processing and display systems at 47 Terminal Radar Approach Control facilities, or TRACONs, and their associated air traffic control towers with the STARS system (formerly called the STARS Program). This phase of the program is currently modernizing the original 47 sites with an enhanced STARS system. This enhanced STARS includes the next generation processors and flat panel monitor to replace the current aging display.

TAMR Phase 2 (2005-2009) involved the upgrade to STARS at four additional TRACONs and the modernization of air traffic controller displays and system processors at 4 large TRACONs including Denver and Chicago (site list). Modernization of the Common Automated Radar Terminal System (CARTS) platform at these four large TRACONs was achieved through a joint effort with Raytheon Company and Lockheed Martin Corporation. The upgrade to STARS at those four TRACONs will occur in Phase 3.

TAMR Phase 3 is replacing the remaining 100+ automation systems with STARS to support the increasing demand for air traffic services. These remaining CARTS sites are nearing the end of their intended service lives. TAMR Phase 3 is conducted in two segments: Segment 1 will modernize 11 of the largest TRACONs and Segment 2 will modernize the remaining facilities.

Status

By the end of 2011, 55 terminal facilities were using new or upgraded automation systems to control air traffic. The air traffic control systems at the remaining 106 TRACONs will be replaced with STARS by the end of 2017.

In all, approximately 10,000 controllers and technicians will get new tools to do their jobs now and a product that is ready to carry them into the NextGen era and beyond.

What is Terminal Automation?

The Terminal Automation system receives radar data and aircraft flight plan information that is then presented to air traffic controllers on monitors at over 162 radar control facilities and hundreds of FAA and contract control towers. The system consists of processors and displays which present air traffic controllers with the total airspace picture. Controllers use automation to provide air traffic control service to pilots in the airspace immediately around major airports. These air traffic control services include the separation and sequencing of air traffic, conflict and terrain avoidance alerts, weather advisories, and radar vectoring for departing and arriving traffic.