EADS to Modernise German Armed Forces' and NATO Air Traffic Control Systems

Released on Monday, August 04, 2008

EADS Defence & Security (DS) will modernize the identification systems of the German Armed Forces and of NATO's early warning aircraft in order to meet the latest air traffic control standards and to increase safety in air traffic. According to an announcement made by the company, Defence Electronics (DE), an integrated activity of EADS Defence & Security (DS), has been awarded a contract covering the modernisation of approximately 600 STR2000 transponder systems in order to comply with the new international Mode S standard.

"Air traffic, especially in Europe, has become so dense," explained Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Defence Electronics, "that air traffic control can no longer manage without automatic identification systems. In this way, our transponders are making an important contribution to the safety of our citizens in everyday life."

The so-called "transponders" on board aircraft and helicopters emit flight data regarding the course, speed, etc. to ground stations or other aircraft thus enabling precise identification and flight control. This facilitates air traffic control and helps to avoid collisions. Pursuant to international regulations, all aerial vehicles of the German Armed Forces need to be equipped with this new technology by April 2009 at the latest. STR2000 ensures the identification of not only civil but also military aircraft. In the military field, automatic identification is indispensable to avoid engaging friendly aircraft.

In addition to the STR2000 emitters, DE also produces the so-called "interrogators" in the form of the MSSR 2000 I (MSSR = Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar) secondary radars which are used as receivers on the ground or on board ships and form an air traffic control network together with the transponders. For example, the MSSR 2000 I is deployed on German naval vessels and by the naval forces of France, Norway and Finland for the military friend-or-foe identification (IFF). DE's identification systems are used for air traffic control in such countries as Portugal, Bulgaria and the Philippines.

DE is an integrated activity of EADS Defence & Security (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2007, DS � with around 22,000 employees � achieved revenues of € 5.5 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.