AFAS is a program of the Air Force’s Global Air Traffic Systems Group (GATSG), Network Centric Operations/Integration Systems Wing, Hanscom AFB, MA. The program is sponsored by the Air Force Flight Standards Agency (AFFSA), Andrews AFB, MD.

IDS5 has been operationally proven at a number of Air Force Bases, where it provides an information resource tool for air traffic controllers and base operations personnel. Through AFAS, IDS5 will provide a common solution for airfield data display and dissemination for Air Force tower and Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) facilities.

AFAS will reduce the number of segregated displays and control systems that controllers are required to monitor. AFAS consolidated displays provide controllers with a single focal point for data access, enhancing situational awareness. Currently, multiple display and control systems occupy valuable real estate within ATC facilities. They are inefficient to maintain, due to the variety and vintage of the fielded systems. AFAS integration will result in cost savings and streamlined ATC operations for the Air Force.

Systems Atlanta President, Charley Dobson said, “IDS5 will provide the Air Force with an all-in-one data display platform, integration platform, and data-sharing platform for ATC facilities.”

AFAS is consistent with the Air Force’s concept of a Global Information Grid (GIG). IDS5 will allow selective dataflow between separate Air Force facilities, such as all hubs in a particular air defense sector, all divert bases, and/or main destination points from a particular Air Force Base. This capability will also allow selective data sharing between AFAS and FAA facilities equipped with SAI’s IDS5 or IDS4 software.

Air Force GATSG personnel stated, “We are confident that AFAS will promote the shared informational awareness that both the Air Force and FAA are working to achieve.”