ROCKVILLE, MD, 06/02/2003 -- Lockheed Martin's automated air traffic management system for towers at small- and medium-sized airports has been selected for the new air traffic tower at the Vero Beach Municipal Airport in Florida. The Lockheed Martin Common Automated Radar Terminal System (ARTS) IE tower radar display system is a full-featured air traffic control system that contains the same advanced functions as the Common ARTS system, deployed at the new Potomac consolidated terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facility and the busiest terminal air traffic facilities nationwide.

The ARTS IE tower system was developed in response to the National Transportation Safety Board's recommendation to provide traffic situation displays to small towers. It uses standard, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified ARTS system software and hardware to give smaller airports, for the first time, radar tracking capability, critical safety functions such as conflict alert and minimum safe altitude warning and a full range of functionality to ensure air safety.

This technology will bring to the Vero Beach Airport the same level of automated air traffic control capability employed so effectively at larger facilities today, said U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon (R-Fla.). Just as the new air traffic control tower will bring added safety and efficiency benefits, this new tool for controllers will help enhance air safety for the flying public.

Air traffic control operations at the new Vero Beach tower are expected to be fully operational by June 30. The airport handles general aviation traffic and air taxis.

We're delighted that Vero Beach has been chosen as a site for this advanced system which will help advance air safety at our airport, said Vero Beach Airport Director Eric Menger. Having this technology in the new tower is another key component in our ongoing effort to help assure aviation safety at our facility.

The ARTS IE system was certified by the FAA for operational use earlier this year. The first installation took place at the Prescott, Ariz., airport.

Lockheed Martin Air Traffic Management has four decades of experience in delivering advanced aviation management solutions to customers worldwide, and focuses on systems integration, engineering design, development, test, delivery and support of Communications, Navigation, Surveillance (CNS/ATM) systems. With its solid record of on-schedule, on-budget performance, the company has earned the prestigious Air Traffic Control Association's Industry Award in four of the last six years. A registered ISO 9001 company, Air Traffic Management employs approximately 1,300 people at major facilities in Rockville, Atlantic City, N.J., Eagan, Minn., and Southampton, England.