Exelis to deliver air traffic management radars to Saudi Arabia

Exelis has been awarded a contract by the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center for the delivery of advanced military air traffic management (ATM) radars to the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG).

The $9m contract involves delivery of Exelis’ GCA-2020 precision ground control approach radar to support the national guard’s aviation mission requirements.

The solid-state, electronically scanning GCA-2020 radar, which is the first of its kind to be installed in Saudi Arabia, integrates three functionalities, including primary surveillance, secondary surveillance and precision approach within a single unit.

Further, the technology will enable SANG to offer sophisticated landing guidance and deal with air traffic control operations, while complying with the most demanding flight safety standards.

Offering global compatibility and standardisation with Nato systems, the GCA-2020 also provides the high-performance air navigation services.

Exelis vice-president and Exelis radar, reconnaissance and undersea systems business general manager Dave Prater said: "This award deepens our important relationship with Saudi Arabia and the wider region."

The latest contract brings the overall international orders for precision air traffic management radars to 12 during the past nine months. The orders received from Poland, Sweden, Estonia and Saudi Arabia have a combined value of more than $100m.

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