Air Traffic Control System
To support the Air Force worldwide flying mission, the Air Traffic Control and Landing System (ATCALS) program element funds research, development, and management of fielded and emerging air traffic control communications, surveillance, automation, positioning, and precision approach and landing systems. ATCALS programs are focused on development of technology and strategies to support Agile Combat Employment (ACE) adaptive basing and agile basing concepts of operation as well as modernizing airfield operations to ensure enduring, resilient, efficient, and safe air operations. ATCALS also pursues opportunities in the organization, training, and equipping of ATC associated career fields and any new civil ATCALS technologies that may have military utility. ATCALS currently includes three projects: Air Traffic Control (ATC) Future Technology (AFT), Multi-Function Tactical Radar System (MTRS), and Tactical ATC Operations System (TACOS). 1. AFT is a multi-project program focused on identifying and documenting capability gaps and associated future technologies in multiple areas of aircraft launch and recovery for both fixed and expeditionary operations. These gaps and technologies will be outlined in a bridging strategy, capability-based assessments, and capability roadmaps. FY 2027 AFT research and development spans multiple projects that include the following: - The Small Footprint Precision Approach and Landing Capability (SF-PALC) effort aims to reduce the footprint, transport and set-up time for delivering instrument landing system capabilities in an Agile Combat Employment (ACE) Environment. SF-PALC researches multiple technologies including a traditional instrumented landing system (ILS) approach and a non-traditional tactical transponder approach. - The Flight Inspection Drone project manages the foreign comparative test of flight inspection drones against Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Air Force flight inspection requirements. The goal is to reduce flight inspections, fuel costs, and inspection time while also reducing exposure in a contested environment. As these and other technologies and architectures mature, any applicable fixed-base or deployable, ground-system upgrades will be coordinated and fielded concurrently with related manned and unmanned aircraft avionics capabilities as required.
FY2027 planned work - Will continue mechanical packaging of the complete Lightweight Deployable Instrument Landing System (LD-ILS) into a more compact, deployable end-item - Will complete test and evaluation of flight inspection drones - Will begin SF-PALC market research on both the non-traditional Tactical Transponder Landing System (TTLS) approaches and the LD-ILS approach - Will release RFP for SF-PALC material solution - Will conduct down-select and conduct contract award for SF-PALC material solution - Will begin requirements development for Man Portable Tactical Navigation (MP-TACAN) anti-jamming efforts - Will begin study of requirements for a Mobile/Deployable ATC Tower in response to emerging…
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease due to reprogramming for higher Department of War Priorities.
FY2026 plans — current year - Continue Lightweight Deployable-Instrument Landing System (LD-ILS) localizer array proof-of-concept testing for Small Footprint - Precision Approach Landing Capability (SF-PALC) efforts - Begin mechanical packaging of the complete LD-ILS into a more compact, deployable end-item - Start test and evaluation of flight inspection drones - Complete operational assessment of Mobile Air Traffic System (MATS) software
FY2027 planned work - TACOS will transition from technology demonstration to a stand-alone technology development program - Will develop requirements documents including CONOPS - Will conduct Request/Analyze Request For Information Responses - Will prepare acquisition strategy for approval - Will prepare/release Request for Proposal - Will conduct source selection and contract award
FY2026 to FY2027 change Increase due to continuation of efforts previously tracked as a major thrust within the AFT program code to a stand-alone technical project under the new TACOS program code.
FY2026 plans — current year - Tactical ATC Operational System (TACOS) software development efforts continue as funded in the MTRS program prior to designation as a stand-alone development project in the FY27 PB.
- Will transition from Technical Project to an ACAT III Major Capability Acquisition - Will down-select to single vendor - Will begin Major Capability Acquisition pre-production unit rapid prototyping efforts (3 prototypes) - Will conduct critical design review
Read the FY2027 plan →FY2027 planned work - Will build and install software upgrades to prevent future outages
FY2026 to FY2027 change Increase due to one-time Zero Base Reprogramming for NOTAMS software upgrades. Program remains in sustainment.