S.Amdt. 6430

SA 6430, submitted by Ms. Alsobrooks, aims to add a new section (SEC. 358) to bill S. 4784. The purpose of this addition is to require the Secretary of Defense to establish digital air traffic control tower capabilities at one or more military installations.

The goal of this change is to:

• Modernize military air traffic control.
• Improve controller safety.
• Increase operational efficiency.

Details of the Proposed Change

The amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to select a military installation with significant air traffic control needs. These needs may include complex traffic patterns, high aircraft volume, multi-service operations, or staffing constraints.

The digital tower capabilities should include:

• 360-degree visualization of the airfield.
• System architecture that supports operations from remote, local, or centralized locations.
• Scalable or deployable configurations.
• Integrated sensors, cameras, and digital data feeds.
• Display augmentation for labeling aircraft with speed, heading, and call signs.
• Infrared or enhanced-visibility tools for night or bad weather.
• The ability to send data to a centralized command facility.
• Reduced reliance on traditional tower infrastructure.
• Approval for use in the National Airspace System by the FAA.

Accountability and Implementation

To ensure the plan is carried out, the Secretary of Defense must provide the following to congressional defense committees:

• An implementation plan within 180 days of the Act's enactment, detailing the installation selection, operational requirements, safety considerations, barriers, and potential cost savings.
• A briefing within 90 days after the capability is established, focusing on operational effectiveness, cost avoidance compared to traditional towers, and recommendations for broader use.