Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Equipment to be Installed at SCTAC

Aug. 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Greenville, S.C. (August 25, 2011) — The ITT Corporation, on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selected South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center (SCTAC) as a site to deploy Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment.  This equipment is part of the Surveillance and Broadcast Services (SBS) program, which is part of the FAA’s next generation ATC technology and represents the first major step in the next generation of air traffic control.  ADS-B equipment is a crucial component providing surveillance and situational awareness simultaneously to pilots and air traffic control facilities, and is designed to improve the safety, capacity and efficiency of the National Airspace System while providing a flexible expandable platform to accommodate future air traffic growth.

The ITT Corporation approached SCTAC as the site for the equipment as it serves the radar coverage from nearby Greenville-Spartanburg Airport. The installation of ADS-B equipment at SCTAC will benefit Greenville’s air traffic services by assisting air traffic controllers in the tracking and movement of aircraft through the airspace.  With ADS-B, both pilots and controllers can see radar-like displays of traffic — the displays update next to real-time and do not degrade with distance or terrain. The system also gives pilots access to weather services and flight information services.  The program is currently scheduled to cover all U.S. en route airspace, 236 major terminal airspaces and 35 major airport surfaces. This involves approximately 800 SBS ground radio stations deployed across the country that are connected to regional SBS control stations and a national network operations center.

The equipment is projected to be operational by November of this year. If you would like to learn more about the ADS-B equipment please contact SCTAC Director of Airport Operations at Peter.Cevallos@sc-tac.com.  

About South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center:
SC Technology and Aviation Center is designed to meet the unique needs of technologically-advanced businesses in a global economy. The center features an attractive combination of advanced manufacturing, distribution and aviation facilities. With over 80 successful and diverse companies, SCTAC has an annual economic impact of $1.4 billion, while supporting more than 6,800 jobs. The park, centered around Donaldson Field’s 8,000’ primary runway, is also recognized as a major aircraft maintenance and modification center capable of completing major structural repairs, inspections, and other service needs. To learn more about SCTAC operations or the 550 acres of parcels available, please visit www.sc-tac.com.

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SC Technology and Aviation Center is designed to meet the unique needs of technologically-advanced businesses in a global economy. The center features an attractive combination of advanced manufacturing, distribution, and aviation facilities.