RAF launches new air traffic management system
RAF Shawbury has commissioned a new advanced air traffic management (ATM) system, led by Aquila as part of the UK military's "Marshall" project to transform air traffic management. worth £1.5 billion.
The project integrates modern, innovative equipment with existing infrastructure and aims to ensure safe and resilient military flight. By 2024, the various devices will be rolled out across more than 60 MoD locations in the UK and overseas, including Cyprus, Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands. The new equipment enables operators to increase situational awareness and enhance flight safety, with digital upgrades including touchscreen communications, clearer radar maps, improved flight information and more accurate positioning, all displayed on the upgraded console .
Since the RAF awarded the project to Aquila (a joint venture between Thales and NATS) in 2014, it has provided around 300 jobs in Faridham and the rest of the UK and is expected to be over the next 22 years Save the UK £317m.
The air traffic management system in the Marshall project includes a £400m investment in advanced surveillance radar and a variety of sophisticated equipment such as tower systems, new surveillance and navigation aids and radio systems.
Shawbury Air Force Base in Shropshire was the first to be declared initial operational capability under Project Marshall and is currently home to the Helicopter Central Flight School.
