ITT Exelis selected by Aireon for data processing component of space-based air traffic surveillance system

ITT Exelis has been awarded a $42 million contract by Aireon LLC to provide the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data processing and distribution component for its global space-based air traffic surveillance system.

Aireon, a joint venture between Iridium Communications Inc. and NAV CANADA, will take advantage of the hosted payload space on Iridium NEXT, Iridium's second-generation satellite constellation, to enable fully global and continuous space-based monitoring and control of aircraft. Exelis will design and build the data processing and distribution platform, a critical component of the Aireonâ„  system, and will operate and maintain the system for 15 years from first launch. This contract further extends the ongoing relationship between Aireon and Exelis, which also provides systems engineering services for Aireon.

Aireon's space-based ADS-B solution will enable air traffic controllers to safely grant pilots more efficient flight levels and direct routing where ground-based surveillance infrastructure cannot be deployed cost-effectively. Air traffic surveillance will be available globally to Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), including over oceans and remote regions where such surveillance is not currently possible.

Exelis will reliably distribute the ADS-B data to multiple air traffic control facilities of any ANSP worldwide that is interested in purchasing surveillance data subscription services from Aireon. Through this contract, Exelis will ensure that Aireon's service seamlessly integrates with and extends existing ground-based services, setting a foundational building block for a globally harmonized space-based air traffic management system.