Everaxis renews FAA service agreement for ASR-11 radar Rotary Joints

Everaxis has secured a new five-year service contract with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to maintain rotary joints used in ASR-11 primary surveillance radar systems – essential components of U.S. air traffic control. In addition, this renewal further strengthens Everaxis’s long-standing partnership with the FAA.

Awarded through Raytheon Canada, this agreement builds on a partnership of more than 25 years and underscores Everaxis’s dedication to providing dependable, high-performance RF rotary joints for mission-critical radar operations. Moreover, it reflects the FAA’s ongoing confidence in Everaxis technology.

The first five-year contract, signed in 2018, covered 67 rotary joints installed at ASR-11 sites. In 2023, after years of consistent field performance and proven support, the FAA extended its trust with a second agreement, adding 53 more units. As a result, Everaxis continues to support a significant portion of the national ATC infrastructure.

This renewal is more than a business achievement – rather, it reaffirms Everaxis’s role as a reliable partner in safeguarding national airspace surveillance.

ASR-11: A key Radar for air traffic control and National Airspace Safety

The ASR-11 Airport Surveillance Radar is among the most widely deployed terminal ATC radar systems in the United States. Its role is to detect and track aircraft within roughly 60 miles (96 km) and up to 25,000 feet, ensuring safe separation during approach and departure phases. Furthermore, it plays a central role in maintaining operational safety around airports.

Designed to operate around the clock, even in challenging weather, the ASR-11 relies on a steady antenna rotation at 15 rpm to deliver full 360° coverage. Consequently, every component must meet stringent reliability requirements.

At the core of this system is the RF rotary joint, a critical component that connects the rotating antenna to fixed electronics. It must transmit high-frequency RF signals with minimal insertion loss, low VSWR, and strong isolation. Indeed, any instability in the signals can compromise detection accuracy and, ultimately, air traffic safety.

That’s why the FAA partners with trusted suppliers who can guarantee reliable performance and long-term radar availability.

Consequently, these characteristics make high-speed slip rings essential in advanced aerospace systems.

Everaxis Rotary Joints: built for reliability, precision, and extreme conditions

With over 75 years of engineering expertise, Everaxis is globally recognized for its leadership in RF rotary joint design for air traffic control, defense, and weather radar systems. Thanks to this experience, the company offers equipment that meets the highest performance standards.

For the ASR-11 program, Everaxis rotary joints are engineered to deliver:

• 20+ years of continuous 24/7 operation
• Consistent RF performance across all channels
• Resistance to harsh environmental conditions (humidity, thermal cycling, wind loading)
• Minimal maintenance requirements, thanks to a robust mechanical design

Each unit is certified to SWEDAC/NIST standards with a tailor-made design to meet FAA operational specifications. Thus,Everaxis ensures long-term RF stability and reliability, even in the most demanding ATC environments.

Everaxis sets itself apart with a proactive approach to lifecycle management—an increasingly critical strategy for ATC operators aiming to extend the life of existing radar assets. As such, its maintenance model directly supports operational continuity.

FAA ASR-11 sites equipped with Everaxis rotary joints benefit from:

• Scheduled maintenance every seven years
• Rapid refurbishment to minimize downtime
• Complete rebuilds restoring original performance
• One-year warranty post-refurbishment
• MTBF exceeding 100,000 hours, ensuring long-term availability

Consequently, this predictable maintenance model enables ATC authorities to plan interventions accurately, reduce operational costs, and maintain uninterrupted radar coverage – an essential requirement for national airspace security. It aligns with industry trends toward lifecycle optimization and modern MRO strategies, extending asset life while preserving compliance and performance.

A trusted partner for mission-critical radar systems

The renewed FAA contract underscores Everaxis’s ability to deliver sustained performance, not only through initial product design but across the entire service life of the equipment.

ATC authorities trust Everaxis because we offer:

• Proven reliability over decades
• Expertise in RF transmission under continuous rotation
• Tailored support for mission-critical radar systems
• Guaranteed performance in harsh and variable environments

This long-standing collaboration with the FAA and Raytheon Canada reflects shared values: precision engineering, operational resilience, and commitment to radar mission continuity.

Key specifications of Everaxis Rotary Joints for ASR-11

Performance & Reliability

• Operational lifetime: 20 years continuous duty
• Maintenance interval: 7 years
• MTBF : >100,000 hours

RF & Mechanical Characteristics

• Low VSWR and insertion loss
• High channel isolation
• Lightweight, optimized and rugged design
• High qualitative materials and precision engineering

Compliance

• Certified to SWEDAC/NIST standards
• Designed to FAA-specific requirements

Maintenance & Support

• Complete refurbishment after each cycle
• One-year warranty post-reconditioning

The extension of the FAA service contract highlights Everaxis’s role in ensuring the ongoing performance and availability of ASR-11 radar systems. With exceptional reliability, RF consistency, and long-term maintainability, Everaxis rotary joints remain a cornerstone of U.S. air traffic safety.

Our mission is clear: deliver uncompromising reliability for the world’s most demanding radar infrastructure, today and for decades to come.