RTX Seeks Larger Role in FAA’s $12.5B ATC Overhaul

Company will reportedly pitch its common automation platform to consolidate existing ATC systems.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, March 04, 2026 at 02:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

RTX is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the FAA’s Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) platform. [Credit: RTX]

Key Takeaways:

RTX, through its Collins Aerospace division, is pitching its AutoTrac platform as the Common Automation Platform (CAP) for the FAA's $12.5 billion Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) initiative.
The FAA seeks a CAP to unify its fragmented en route (ERAM) and terminal (STARS) air traffic control systems into a single digital interface, aiming to reduce controller workload and enhance airspace visibility.
RTX's AutoTrac system, which automates various operations and integrates diverse flight data, is already in use by air navigation service providers worldwide and is designed to be modular and scalable.
RTX is a strong contender for the CAP contract, leveraging its existing roles as a primary STARS contractor and provider of new radar systems for the FAA modernization effort.

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RTX, which in January received a $438 million contract to help the FAA replace hundreds of antiquated radar systems, is reportedly vying for an even larger chunk of the $12.5 billion Congress has allocated for the agency’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) effort.

On Tuesday at RTX facilities in Washington, Collins Aerospace officials demonstrated a system designed to unify fragmented ATC data sources, which the company, per FlightGlobal, will pitch to the FAA as the BNATCS common automation platform (CAP).