FAA Installs New SMR-4 Radars at Three Major Airports

FAA Modernization Milestone

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has successfully completed the installation of new Surface Movement Radar, Model 4 (SMR-4) units at three U.S. airports. This deployment marks a critical step in the agency's broader Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) initiative. The new radar systems, which are essential for FAA Surface Movement Radar operations, are designed to enhance situational awareness for controllers and prevent runway incursions. The initial installations are located at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), Grand Junction Regional (GJT), and Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH).

The Shift to Modern Hardware

This SMR-4 radar installation program addresses the urgent need to replace legacy Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model 3 (ASDE-3) systems. These older units, which date back to the 1980s and 1990s, have become increasingly difficult to maintain due to component obsolescence. The FAA awarded a $267.3 million contract to Saab, Inc. to supply these modern, solid-state radars. Under the BNATCS framework, a total of 44 airports are scheduled to receive these upgrades Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) Fact Sheet. This transition is central to the FAA's safety initiatives to prevent runway incursions and manage ground traffic.

SMR-4 vs. Legacy ASDE-3: Key Specifications

Operational Impact and Stakeholder Benefits

For Air Traffic Controllers, the introduction of SMR-4 technology provides a significant improvement in airport surface safety. By integrating these units into existing Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X) systems, controllers gain a clearer, more reliable picture of movement on runways and taxiways. Saab, Inc. President and CEO Erik Smith noted that the technology provides enhanced situational awareness and improved reliability to support safer operations. Commercial airlines are expected to benefit from reduced ground delays, particularly during low-visibility conditions when accurate surface tracking is paramount.

The Broader BNATCS Context

The BNATCS initiative represents a $12.5 billion investment in national airspace infrastructure. While the FAA is moving forward with these deployments, the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG) has previously noted that large-scale modernization efforts, such as the earlier Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), have historically faced challenges with budget overruns and schedule delays. The current rollout utilizes prime integrator contracts to streamline deployment, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of previous programs.

Certification and Rollout Timeline

The FAA expects the full rollout of these surface radars across the 44 designated airports to be completed by late 2028. This schedule is subject to ongoing site-specific integration and testing. The agency continues to prioritize these installations at high-traffic hubs where runway congestion presents the highest risk for incursions.

Why This Matters for Airspace Safety

The transition to solid-state radar technology is a fundamental requirement for maintaining the safety of the U.S. National Airspace System. As runway incursions remain a top safety concern, the ability to track ground movements with high precision and low latency is vital. This modernization effort signals a shift toward more resilient, modular, and cost-effective ground surveillance that will define the operational standards for the next decade of air traffic control.