New ATC tower equipment goes operational at Iraqi air bases

The procurement, integration, testing, and installation of the new equipment was carried out by Arinc Engineering Services of the USA.

The new technology allows Iraq’s Air Force to establish efficient operational control with modern equipment in the towers at the two airbases, as part of the rebuilding of Iraq.  

Arinc performed the work under a US Air Force Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract, awarded by the USAF Electronic Systems Center (ESC) Aerospace Management Systems Division.  

Arinc completed the first equipment installation earlier this year at Tikrit and the second installation at Taji was handed over to representatives of ITAM, the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission, in September. Arinc’s Charleston, SC-based installation and integration team completed both of the technology installations despite disruptions caused by construction delays and frequent brownouts. 

“The team’s ability to improvise, adapt, and overcome was key to Arinc’s success on the ground in the dynamic environment of post-war Iraq,” said Arinc director Rivers Cleveland,. “The success of this project is a testament to the collaboration and teaming of the Electronic Systems Center, ITAM and Arinc.” 

The new equipment replaces outdated Russian systems and will allow Iraqi personnel to manage their airspace in accordance with modern FAA guidelines. This could open the door for more civilian overflights, and possibly the opportunity for increased revenue, according to a statement today from the American company

Arinc will maintain the equipment installed as part of the contract.