ERAM

Overview

ERAM - (En Route Automation Modernization) is an FAA program designed to "allow faster processing of route requests and in flight route changes". [National Air Space Capital Investment Plan Fiscal Years 2007-2011]

The En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system architecture replaces the En Route Host computer system and its backup. ERAM provides all of today’s functionality and:

* Adds new capabilities needed to support the evolution of our National Airspace System
* Improves information security and streamlines traffic flow at our international borders
* Processes flight radar data
* Provides communications support
* Generates display data to air traffic controllers
* The display system provides real-time electronic aeronautical information and efficient data management.
* Provides a fully functional backup system, precluding the need to restrict operations in the event of a primary failure
* The backup system provides the National Transportation Safety Board-recommended safety alerts, altitude warnings and conflict.
* Improves surveillance by using a greater number and variety of surveillance sources

The open system architecture enables the use of future capabilities to efficiently handle traffic growth and ensure a more stable and supportable system.

Implementation

The FAA will deploy ERAM at 20 Air Route Traffic Control Centers, the Williams J. Hughes Technical Center, and the FAA Academy.

Step 1: 2006Replace the current En Route computer backup system with Enhanced Backup Surveillance.

Step 2: 2007Provide controllers real-time electronic access to weather data, aeronautical data, air traffic control procedures documents, Notices to Airmen, pilot reports, and other information with the En Route Information Display System.

Step 3: 2009Replace the current En Route Host computer air traffic control with a fully redundant, state of the art system that enables new capabilities and requires no stand-along backup system. [http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/technology/eram/]