For example, with ERAM, controllers at America's 20 air route traffic control centers will be able to track 1,900 aircraft at a time, instead of the current 1,100, and because it expands coverage beyond facility boundaries - using up to 64 radars instead of the current 24 - controllers should be able to handle additional traffic more efficiently.

In addition, with ERAM controllers will be able to share and coordinate information seamlessly between centers, making the goal of reducing en-route separation down to three-miles - instead of five - more practical.  It also improves flight plan processing and automates hand-offs when planes divert due to bad weather, increasing flexibility and efficiency during weather and congestion.

Other new features of ERAM include:

• An enhanced backup surveillance system provides safety alerts and weather information not available today.

• The display of aeronautical information in real time, and more efficient data management.

• A fully functional backup system precludes the need to restrict operations in the event of a primary failure.

• An open-system-based architecture to support the integration of future capabilities, based on ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) and datalink communications.

Following operational testing at the FAA's William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, ERAM will be deployed at Salt Lake City in 2008, before being added to all 20 ARTCCs (air route traffic control centers) and the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City by the end of 2009.  10-11-2007.