RTX Invests Millions in New ATC Radars

Funding will accelerate the production of ground-based aviation surveillance systems, though more funding could be required.

Jack Daleo

Monday, May 11, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

RTX’s Collins Aerospace is one of two contractors the FAA picked in January to replace hundreds of antiquated commercial aviation radars. [Credit: Collins Aerospace]

Key Takeaways:

RTX, through its subsidiary Collins Aerospace, is investing $26.5 million to expand production of upgraded commercial aviation radars, fulfilling a $438 million FAA contract to replace over 600 outdated radars by 2028.
The new Condor Mk3 and ASM-XR radars will significantly improve air traffic controllers' situational awareness, reliability, and aircraft tracking, while reducing maintenance and mitigating interference from external sources like 5G.
This radar modernization is a foundational part of the FAA's broader multi-billion-dollar ATC overhaul, which includes upgrading radios, digital voice switches, fiber optics, and potentially integrating advanced automation platforms and AI-powered traffic management systems.

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RTX on Monday said it will put millions of dollars toward the production of upgraded commercial aviation radars, which are being installed at airports nationwide as part of the FAA’s Brand New Air Traffic Control (ATC) System project.

A $26.5 million investment will expand the company’s Largo, Florida, facility to add a radar production area by late 2026. The systems are produced by RTX subsidiary Collins Aerospace, which in January won a $438 million FAA contract.