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 is investing $26.5 million to expand production of new commercial aviation radars (Condor Mk3 and ASM-XR) through its subsidiary Collins Aerospace, fulfilling a $438 million FAA contract to modernize the nation's air traffic control (ATC) system.
This modernization effort by 2028 aims to replace over 600 outdated radars and upgrade other ATC infrastructure, driven by past system failures and safety concerns, to enhance situational awareness, reliability, and efficiency for controllers.
The advanced radars offer improved aircraft tracking, resilience against disruptions like 5G, and reduced maintenance, consolidating various older systems and forming a foundational layer for a comprehensive "system-of-systems" upgrade.
Beyond radars, RTX is seeking a larger role by pitching its AutoTrac system as a common automation platform, while the FAA is pursuing additional funding for AI-powered traffic management software and extensive further technological overhauls across its facilities.

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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.