Air Traffic Control

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.

Air Traffic Control Systems
Surveillance Systems

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.

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In the Media

Machine Learning Opportunity for Global Weather Radar

Aug 7

557th Weather Wing

Awards

Young AFCEA 40 Under 40 Award honors two thought leaders at the Laboratory

Jul 16

Two staff members pose for a photo in the Laboratory atrium.

An algorithm with an eye for visibility helps pilots in Alaska

Dec 27

More News

The LASSOS display screen highlights the laser strike event in live sensor imagery on the left and generates a 3D model of the laser streak in Google Earth, right.

sensors

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.

ACAS-X alerts pilots to nearby traffic and issues actions to avoid collisions with other aircraft.

collision avoidance

Airborne Collision Avoidance System X

A next generation collision avoidance system will help pilots and unmanned aircraft safely navigate the airspace.

aircraft

Small Airport Surveillance Sensor

An affordable radar surveillance system will help tower controllers at small airports monitor traffic even under poor visibility conditions.

More Projects

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

A photo of James Kurdzo outside with a building and tree in background

The most exciting part about my work is simply the opportunity to innovate with intelligent and talented people. Being able to come up with clever solutions to hard problems when we put our heads together is extremely thrilling.