Thales Receives U.S. FAA Order for ILS420, Latest Generation Instrument Landing System

Thales, the world leader in Air Traffic Management, will supply the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with an initial five Instrument Landing Systems model 420 (ILS420s) for deployment throughout the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). This order is the first procurement in a five-year contract.

“As the FAA transitions to NextGen, Thales will continue to help support and modernize the FAA’s inventory of navigational aids.”

Tony Lo Brutto, Vice President,
Thales ATM U.S.

The ILS420 will provide precise vertical and horizontal navigation guidance to pilots for smooth, safe approach and landing. The system is the most advanced ILS on the market today, surpassing the requirements of the FAA and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for Category III operations. Further, as a result of their high reliability, Thales ILS systems require less maintenance activity than similar technologies on the market.

Currently, the Thales MK20A ILS is the backbone of the U.S. National Airspace System’s precision navigation capability. Today, there are more than 1,250 MK20A and older generation Thales ILS systems deployed in the U.S. Over the next few years, the ILS420 will update legacy ILS technologies, offering precise guidance to thousands of aircraft for safe landing, as well as lower operating costs to users.

Thales is a trusted provider of navigation infrastructure. More than 2,500 Thales navigational aids are operating in the U.S., enabling flight operations in the NAS and paving the way to NextGen. Globally, more than 7,000 Thales navaids are operating across 170 countries.

 

Key points

  • The FAA is deploying the most advanced ILS on the market today.
  • Today, there are more than 1,250 Thales ILS systems guiding aircraft in the US.
  • In total, more than 2,500 Thales navigational aids are operating in the U.S., enabling flight operations in the NAS and paving the way to NextGen.

 

 

About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation, and Defense & Security markets. In 2013, the company generated revenues of $18.3 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop, and deploy equipment, systems, and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners. (www.thalesgroup.com)
In the United States, the company has expanded operations in recent years to focus on a wider range of core customer and market segments. Today, Thales has 21 locations in 14 States and the District of Columbia. With a workforce of nearly 2,700, including joint ventures, Thales has demonstrated a commitment to the U.S. economy by establishing a solid local workforce and a domestic production capability across all markets that we serve.  (www.thalesgroup.com/en/homepage/united-states)

 

Press Contacts

Thales ATM U.S.
Beth Larson         
Communications Director   
+1 315-459-1896                        
beth.larson@us.thalesgroup.com

Thales Media Relations
Civil Aerospace
Giaime Porcu
+33 (0)1 57 77 92 18
giaime.porcu@thalesgroup.com

 

Contact
Civil Aerospace - Giaime Porcu
+33 (0)1 57 77 92 18 giaime.porcu@thalesgroup.com
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