uAvionix has announced the successful delivery and approval of its surface situational awareness systems at two major U.S. airports: Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The systems, developed in collaboration with Capital Sciences, have passed the rigorous Service Acceptance Test (SAT) and will be operational for Air Traffic Control (ATC) starting June 30, 2024.

Enhancing Runway Safety

“This milestone marks the first approvals under the FAA’s Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI), part of a broader effort to enhance runway safety across the nation,” noted Christian Ramsey, Chief Commercial Officer for uAvionix. The uAvionix systems use the Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) service called FlightLine, which provides controllers with real-time, precise depictions of aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface. This technology is designed to improve situational awareness and reduce the risk of runway incursions.

The delivery of the FlightLine systems to IND and AUS was completed and accepted within a 90-day timeframe, thanks to close collaboration with the FAA, National Air Traffic Control Association (NATCA), Indianapolis Airport Authority, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Each airport also installed several of uAvionix’s VTU-20 ADS-B Vehicle Movement Area Transmitters (VMATs) on airport vehicles. The VTU-20 is an FAA-approved system that allows vehicles operating on runways and taxiways to be electronically seen by the tower and aircraft equipped with ADS-B In technologies, further reducing the risk of runway incursions.

Moving Forward

The approvals at IND and AUS represent a significant step forward for the FAA and align with uAvionix’s mission to enhance airspace safety from the airport surface to higher altitudes. Following the success of these implementations, uAvionix will continue working with the FAA to expand the capability to other airports nationwide.

• Enhanced Real-Time Tracking: Improved tracking of aircraft and vehicles on the airfield.
• Operational Efficiency and Safety: Enhanced safety and efficiency in all weather conditions.
• Reduced Runway Incursions: Timely and accurate data reduces the risk of runway incursions.

The collaboration between uAvionix and the FAA underscores a shared commitment to leveraging advanced technology for safer skies. As part of this initiative, uAvionix continues to work closely with the FAA and airport authorities to ensure the seamless integration and operation of these systems.