CSC wins contract for automated communication system
FAA hopes system will reduce errors from misunderstood voice communications
The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday awarded a contract to Computer Sciences Corp. potentially worth $68 million to develop an automated digital communications system for pilots and air traffic controllers.
Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications Build 1A, will provide automated communications between controllers and pilots and should reduce operational errors resulting from misunderstood voice communications. The system will transmit nontime-critical data on a separate frequency.
CSC plans to install the new technology at the Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center in June 2003. Six months later, the FAA would like to bring the system to the 19 other air route traffic control centers around the country.
The initial award is worth about $18 million but could reach $68 million if all options are exercised.