Lockheed Martin today announced completion of the software development phase for a critical Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) program to modernize the U.S. air traffic control system.

The En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) program, scheduled for deployment by late 2009 at the 20 FAA En Route Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) across the United States, will modernize the nation's core air traffic control automation system, enhancing security and providing new capabilities to increase efficiency and capacity.

"ERAM is urgently needed to sustain the growth of U.S. air transportation, which is an essential part of our nation's economy," said Sue Corcoran, vice president of Aviation Solutions for Lockheed Martin. "Completing the software development phase, which was a 26-month effort, is a vital next-step milestone for ERAM, the foundation of the FAA air traffic control infrastructure. We now look forward to proving the software through simulation and testing."

The ERAM program will now move into the integration and testing phase. Following initial integration of the software, formal entry into the testing phase is scheduled to start in March 2006. Tests will be run at the FAA Technical Center in Atlantic City, NJ, and at Lockheed Martin laboratories, to validate that the software meets all requirements. The FAA is scheduled to accept the system in October 2007, followed by site testing as part of the ERAM deployment phase to the en route centers.

ERAM will replace an en route computer system that has evolved since the 1960s. That system is difficult to modify with new controller decision-support tools that are needed to increase capacity and improve safety and efficiency. ERAM will provide a modular, expandable and supportable infrastructure that can accommodate innovation and steady enhancements.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin