FAA certifies ITT Exelis airport ground vehicle transmitter device

Technology enhances the safety and efficiency of airfield operations through situational awareness

HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the ITT Exelis (NYSE: XLS) vehicle movement area transmitter (V-MAT) device as fully compliant with its standards.

“Achieving certification of this device was the result of a significant collaborative effort between Exelis, FAA, Massachusetts Port Authority, and the FreeFlight Systems vehicle unit manufacturer”

V-MAT is a device that permits ground vehicles operating on the airport surface to broadcast their position. FAA air traffic controllers can then view and track the vehicles, as well as appropriately equipped aircraft operating near the airport and on the airport surface. This enhanced situational awareness for air traffic controllers provides a complete picture of airport surface activity and enables greater safety and efficiency for airfield operations.

“Achieving certification of this device was the result of a significant collaborative effort between Exelis, FAA, Massachusetts Port Authority, and the FreeFlight Systems vehicle unit manufacturer,” said Ted Carniol, head of Exelis commercial aviation solutions. “Equipping vehicles with V-MAT will increase the safety and efficiency of airfield operations particularly in situations such as construction and snow removal and in critical situations such as aircraft emergency events.”

The Exelis V-MAT is the first such device to be certified by the FAA under the stringent requirements of FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5220-26. This certification ensures that the devices are properly installed and configured in airport vehicles, properly maintained, and fully compliant with FAA standards for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). ADS-B is the FAA’s satellite-based successor to radar and is the cornerstone of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) initiative to modernize air traffic control in the national airspace system.

The V-MAT device uses ADS-B technology to determine and share precise vehicle location information. Vehicles operating with V-MAT devices will have their transmissions automatically detected by FAA ADS-B receivers and delivered to air traffic controller positions for complete airport-wide situational awareness anywhere, anytime.

About ITT Exelis

ITT Exelis is a diversified, top-tier global aerospace, defense and information solutions company with strong positions in enduring and emerging global markets. Exelis is a leader in networked communications, sensing and surveillance, electronic warfare, navigation, air traffic solutions and information systems with growing positions in cyber security, composite aerostructures, logistics and technical services. The company has a 50-year legacy of innovation and technology expertise, partnering with customers worldwide to deliver affordable, mission-critical products and services for managing global threats, conflicts and complexities. Headquartered in McLean, Va., the company employs about 20,500 people and generated 2011 sales of $5.8 billion. www.exelisinc.com