Air Traffic Control
Improving Air Transportation Safety
Since 1971, we have been supporting the Federal Aviation Administration in the development of new technology for air traffic control. We develop systems for aircraft surveillance, weather sensing, collision avoidance, decision support, and air traffic management automation. Learn more in our R&D brochure and our 50 Years of Research and Innovation booklet.
Air Traffic Control Groups
The safe and efficient flow of aircraft in today's skies depends on a suite of weather sensing and traffic management technologies. Our group aims to improve air transportation by developing sensors, weather tracking and forecasting systems, and decision support automation that assists pilots and air traffic controllers in routing aircraft out of harm's way and maintaining smooth traffic patterns.
Latest News
50 Years of Research and Innovation
Lincoln Laboratory’s air traffic control program reached its 50th anniversary in 2021. To commemorate this milestone, the “Celebrating 50 Years of Research and Innovation: MIT Lincoln Laboratory Air Traffic Control” booklet was created to highlight key air traffic control technologies developed by the Laboratory since 1971 and the significant impact they have had on national security and air transportation safety.
Featured Projects
Adaptation
Intelligent Tornado Prediction Engine
We are developing deep learning models to analyze tornadic precursors in order to enhance real-time tornado prediction.
artificial intelligence
Aerial Refueling Optimization Engine
Our model optimizes the scheduling of aerial refueling missions, saving fuel and costs for the Department of Defense.
optical systems
Laser Aircraft Strike Suppression Optical System
A system that detects laser beams being shone into the sky and alerts police of their source can help protect pilots and aircraft.
aircraft
Small Airport Surveillance Sensor
An affordable radar surveillance system will help tower controllers at small airports monitor traffic even under poor visibility conditions.
Laboratory Stories
I'm transitioning research tasks into operational algorithms that help the Federal Aviation Administration improve safety and efficiency.
James Kurdzo
Radar Meteorologist
Air Traffic Control
Air Traffic Control Systems
Advancing Our Research
Our Staff
View the biographies of members of the Air Traffic Control research area.
Featured Publications
Fun as a strategic advantage: applying lessons in engagement from commercial games to military logistics training
Jul 1
Train., Educ., Learn. Sci., Vol. 59, 2022, p. 180-7.
AAM-Gym: Artificial intelligence testbed for advanced air mobility
Jun 9
arXiv, 9 June 2022.
Nearfield anechoic chamber and farfield on-site antenna calibration pattern comparison of an S-band planar phased array radar
Apr 27
IEEE Annual Conf. on Wireless and Microwave Technology, WAMICON, 27-28 April 2022.
Available Datasets
Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Trajectories, Version 1.
collision avoidance
Unmanned Aircraft Terminal Area Encounters
collision avoidance
Career Opportunities
Discover the exciting and challenging opportunities in Air Traffic Control.