Leidos has announced the deployment of the first Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) system operational at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) to help minimize runway departure queues.
Developed for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Leidos believes the system will also allow for streamlined operations in the airport’s air traffic control tower.
TFDM is a tower-based Next Generation Air Transportation System technology designed to improve surface management and efficiency. The system shares electronic data among controllers, air traffic managers, aircraft operators and airports to stage arrivals and departures while managing surface traffic flow.
“With an increase in air traffic nationwide, it’s crucial for airports to leverage the most innovative systems and technology to keep airport traffic consistently flowing,” said Fran Hill, senior vice president of Leidos’ Transportation Solutions. “The benefits of TFDM are far-reaching. Not only will it improve the passenger experience by reducing delays, but it will also lower greenhouse gas emissions through reduced airplane taxi times.”
Leidos is the prime contractor and lead integrator developing and implementing TFDM. Leidos teams perform program management, systems engineering, design and development, system integration and testing, adaptation, hardware production and site implementation. With its deployment, Leidos will continue to provide maintenance support services to maintain the system’s functionality.
A second deployment build is planned for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in 2024. Build 2.0 will provide additional tools and expand data sharing to flight operators and other stakeholders.
According to Leidos, TFDM implementation will continue to additional airports across the US over the next several years.
