US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford have celebrated the grand opening of a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Frederick, Maryland.
The new plant, which produces equipment for America’s new air traffic control system, spans 87,000 square-feet, and was opened during a ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this week.
Once up and running, the 40 million USD Rohde & Schwarz USA factory will handle the production of digital Voice over IP voice switches that aid air traffic controllers to communicate with both pilots and other air traffic control facilities.
FAA Administrator Bedford, said:This equipment is a critical part of our landmark air traffic control modernisation effort.
The new facility supports our aggressive schedule to complete the new system by the end of 2028 while strengthening U.S. production capabilities and creating high-quality American jobs.
The last year has seen the FAA implement a wide range of improvements to its air traffic control system nationwide, including:
- Replacement of 63% of copper wires with either high-speed fiber, 5G wireless or LEO capabilities in air traffic control facilities nationwide
- Conversion of 388 radio sites
- Installation of Surface Awareness Initiative technology at 96 towers
- Transition of 21 towers to electronic flight strips
- Installation of 176 IP voice switches
- Installation of 9 new Tower Simulation systems to train controllers
- Installation of SMR4 Surface Movement Radars at 5 airports
- Installation of the 140th CERTIUM Voice Communication System (VCS) at the Rapid City Regional Airport control tower in South Dakota, completing Wave 1 of the nationwide deployment ahead of schedule
