Lockheed Martin's small tower automation system has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration to provide air traffic control support for the Centennial of Flight observance near Kitty Hawk, N.C., where man first flew 100 years ago.

Lockheed Martin's Common Automated Radar Terminal System (ARTS) IE tower radar display system will help control a projected increase in general aviation air traffic during the eight-month period commemorating the Wright brothers December 17 flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903. The ARTS IE system has been installed at the FAA's temporary tower control facility at Manteo, N.C., and will be operational May 1. It was certified by the FAA for operational use at small airports earlier this year.

The Centennial of Flight observance in Kitty Hawk involves outreach events in partnership with schools and other organizations as well as aircraft flyovers in the vicinity.

"From that first, historic flight by the Wright brothers, to the contributions of those who followed, air travel has become an indispensable part of our society and economy," said Don Antonucci, president, Lockheed Martin Air Traffic Management. "We're pleased that our system, which in itself represents a significant technology evolution in air traffic control, will help ensure air safety at this historic location."

The ARTS IE is a full-featured air traffic control system that shares the same advanced functions as the Common ARTS system, deployed at the new Potomac consolidated terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facility and the busiest air traffic facilities nationwide. The ARTS IE tower system was developed in response to the National Transportation Safety Board's recommendation to provide traffic situation displays to small towers. It uses standard, FAA- certified ARTS system software and hardware to give smaller airports, for the first time, radar tracking capability, critical safety functions such as conflict alert and minimum safe altitude warning and a full range of functionality to ensure air safety.

Lockheed Martin Air Traffic Management has four decades of experience in delivering advanced aviation management solutions to customers worldwide, and focuses on systems integration, engineering design, development, test, delivery and support of Communications, Navigation, Surveillance (CNS/ATM) systems. With its solid record of on-schedule, on-budget performance, the company has earned the prestigious Air Traffic Control Association's Industry Award in four of the last six years. A registered ISO 9001 company, Air Traffic Management employs approximately 1,300 people at major facilities in Rockville, Atlantic City, N.J., Eagan, Minn., and Southampton, England.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics, and technology services.

For additional information on Lockheed Martin Air Traffic Management visit:

                    http://www.lockheedmartin.com/atm

     For additional information on Lockheed Martin Corporation visit:
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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Air Traffic Management