FAA selected a Lockheed Martin-led team to submit a proposal for the Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) program, a cornerstone initiative for the Next Generation Air Transportation System. The Lockheed Martin ADS-B core team includes Sensis Corp., Harris Corp. and Honeywell International. “We believe the FAA is on the correct path with this essential NextGen system procurement,” said Sue Corcoran, vice president of Aviation Solutions, Lockheed Martin Transportation and Security Solutions. A stepping stone to NGATS envisioned in 2025, ADS-B will leverage GPS positioning to provide both pilots and controllers with real-time traffic displays, enabling aircraft to fly safely and more predictably with less separation. Some 400 ground stations will receive aircraft broadcasts and send traffic, weather and other information back to aircraft. FAA plans to award a contract for the program in July. A notice of proposed rulemaking is slated for September 2007 with the final rule to follow. FAA expects to accelerate development and deployment and drive costs off government books by making ADS-B a service provision contract. "This approach minimizes FAA’s risk and provides it with greater flexibility, because the agency will rely on private industry to install and maintain equipment," Corcoran added. Lockheed unveiled the team late last year, saying it is confident in its ability to produce a working system in parallel with an FAA final rule on ADS-B, slated for November 2009. For related news