San Bernardino Airport Debuts New Air Traffic System
The Tower MicroELITE system enhances situational awareness for controllers at contract towers.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Air Travel
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San Bernardino International Airport has become the first facility to install the new Tower MicroELITE digital display and surveillance system from RTX Collins Aerospace. The technology integrates radar and broadcast data to provide controllers with high-resolution, customizable flight information.
Why it matters
The system is designed to improve safety and operational efficiency by modernizing how controllers at contract towers track aircraft and manage traffic flow. It leverages proven technology to extend advanced surveillance capabilities to facilities that previously lacked such tools.
The Tower MicroELITE system is derived from the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, which currently manages 80% of U.S. air traffic. It supports the needs of the 265 FAA contract towers operating nationwide.
The players
RTX Collins Aerospace
This division of RTX Corporation specializes in advanced avionics and systems for the aerospace and defense industries.
Federal Aviation Administration
This national agency regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the United States and oversees the country's air traffic control network.
The details
Controllers now view live aircraft surveillance and flight-plan data on high-resolution color displays that show speed, altitude, and track history. The system received FAA design approval as an Airborne Position Reference Tool.
Timeline
Second half of 2027: Planned FAA approval for conflict detection features.
Travel Outlook
The implementation of this system marks a localized step in the broader modernization efforts often associated with the Common Automation Platform, which has an estimated cost of $6-10 billion. It follows a pattern of iterative technological upgrades aimed at replacing legacy air traffic control infrastructure.
For travelers at San Bernardino International Airport, this upgrade aims to enhance the reliability and safety of flight operations in the area. While the system operates behind the scenes, such improvements are designed to help maintain orderly traffic flow and operational consistency during peak travel times.
The takeaway
The deployment of digital surveillance tools at contract towers reflects a wider industry shift toward high-resolution data management. This transition aims to standardize safety procedures across both major airports and smaller contract-managed facilities.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Air Travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Aviation Week.
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