FAA's EBUS Now Deployed Across Continental U.S.

The FAA's EBUS (en route backup surveillance system) has been deployed to all 20 ARTCCs (air route traffic control centers) in the continental U.S.

EBUS replaces the aging DARC (direct access radar channel) system, but also provides new functions such as the ability to send safety alerts to controllers regarding aircraft-to-aircraft proximity conflicts, and violations of minimum safe altitudes.  It also gives controllers weather data from NEXRAD (next generation weather radar) sensors.  And unlike DARC, EBUS has a user interface very similar to the FAA's ATC host system, which should reduce the training necessary for its use.

Dan Watts, the FAA's ERAM program manager says that the deployment of EBUS marks the completion of the first phase of the agency's ERAM (en route automation modernization) program, and is notable also because it was deployed under cost and ahead of schedule.

The next two phases of the ERAM program involve the ERIDS (en route information display system) and Release 1 software.

ERIDS will provide real-time electronic distribution of air traffic control information including NOTAMs (notices to airmen), other aeronautical information, and air traffic control procedure documents.  Boston, Salt Lake City and Jacksonville ARTCCs are already using ERIDS as a prototype system and it will be deployed nationally from July 2006 through November 2007.

ERAM's Release 1 software, which is described as the most complex phase of the program, replaces the host computer system, will be fully redundant, and will enable enhanced capabilities.  The software is scheduled to be operational at its first site, the Salt Lake City ARTCC, by late 2009.  04-09-2006.

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