Leidos deploys new flight service voice communications system

Leidos has announced the successful deployment of a new Flight Service Voice Communications System (FSVCS) using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. The system, developed in coordination with Rohde & Schwarz USA, delivers the first ED-137C compliant system into the U.S. National Airspace.

“This deployment reinforces our commitment to driving innovation and advancing the aviation industry,” said Ed Sayadian, Senior Vice President and Operations Manager at Leidos. “This achievement underscores Leidos’ dedication to advancing the future of air travel, supporting safer skies and seamless communication for all.”

The FSVCS’ network-centric approach was tailor made for the Future Flight Services Program (FFSP). The flexible and scalable system includes interfacing with legacy analog connections and new digital voice communication. The design minimises dependency on traditional point-to-point communications and increases voice availability with the general aviation community.

The FSVCS operates as a globally accessible, fully networked voice enterprise solution, with enhanced capabilities that monitor radio frequencies from a single position. This enhancement offers increased flexibility for service optimisation, introducing full redundancy among Flight Service facilities. This cutting-edge technology supports higher availability and business continuity, directly benefitting pilots and enhancing flight safety in the U.S.

The FSVCS system reached full operational capability in October 2023 with the integration of VoIP communication with Air to Ground Media Gateways (AGMG) at six Air Route Traffic Control Centers across the U.S. This deployment is the continuation of Flight Services provided under the FFSP contract, awarded to Leidos in 2019.