THE US FEDERAL Aviation Administration has reversed its decision to block Boeing from competing for the $1 billion Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) programme as a prime contractor, allowing the company back into the competition.
Boeing, BDM and Oracle had teamed to compete for STARS, with Boeing selected as the prime contractor. Late in 1995, however, the FAA informed them that Boeing could not be the lead contractor. The aviation agency did not explain its reasons for barring Boeing from project leadership. The FAA now says that Boeing meets the qualification criteria.
The STARS project will be used to modernise over 250 Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) systems. The TRACONs handle aircraft within 80km (50 miles) of US airports.
Raytheon Aircraft has teamed with Hughes, and Loral is allied with Harris in bidding for the STARS contract.
Source: Flight International