PMA-213 secures safe fleet recoveries with final AN/FPN-68A precision approach radar
PORTFOLIO ACQUISITION EXECUTIVE (AVIATION), Patuxent River, Md. — The Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office (PMA-213) completed production of the final AN/FPN-68A precision approach radar this month, marking the end of a comprehensive procurement and assembly effort.
This initiative delivers modern digital radars to Department of War (DoW) installations and allied nations worldwide. The new system replaces the outdated AN/FPN-63 radar fleet, which originally entered service with the Navy and Marine Corps in 1978.
The AN/FPN-68A equips air traffic controllers with highly precise tracking data, capturing aircraft distance, direction and elevation. This real-time telemetry is critical for safely recovering pilots at the runway when adverse weather, smoke or low-visibility conditions obscure their view.
"This system’s advanced precision and digital technology play a significant role in enhancing air traffic control and pilot safety, especially in challenging weather," said Capt. Walter B. Massenburg Jr., PMA-213 program manager.
Massenburg credited the Shore Air Traffic Management Team and joint personnel for fielding the new technology without disrupting ongoing operations.
"Due to their incredible perseverance, this radar performs at a high readiness state and is meeting the fleet's needs with critical ATC capabilities," Massenburg said.
The modernization effort began in June 2019 with the first system installation at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The program is scheduled to conclude its fielding phase in 2027, officially retiring the legacy FPN-63 systems.
Through the Foreign Military Sales program, the program office allocated a portion of the radars to allied nations. This ensures DoW and coalition forces share the same high-precision recovery standards and maintenance strategies during joint deployments.
With production complete, the program now shifts into a long-term sustainment phase managed in partnership with the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific.
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