The FAA's NextGen program is transforming how air traffic gets managed across the United States. This $35 billion modernization effort replaces decades-old radar systems with satellite navigation, digital communications, and automated traffic management. For air traffic control facilities upgrading their infrastructure, the hardware choices matter—especially when it comes to the computers and monitors that controllers rely on every day.
DiamondVue computers and monitors from VarTech Systems are already proving their worth in major aviation facilities. Several major airports, including those in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Washington D.C., have chosen our products for their operations, validating their performance in high-stakes environments.
NextGen isn't just about software upgrades. The shift to satellite-based navigation and digital communications requires computing hardware that can process real-time data streams with low latency, display complex surveillance information, and operate continuously without failure. When controllers are managing hundreds of aircraft movements per hour, equipment downtime isn't an option.
Traditional commercial displays and computers weren't built for this level of demand. Control towers face temperature swings, vibration from nearby aircraft, and the need for 24/7 operation that would quickly overwhelm standard equipment.
Air traffic control consoles have specific space constraints and aesthetic requirements. DiamondVue computers and monitors address these challenges with mounting options designed for long-term installations:
DiamondVue computers and monitors include EMI protection features that prevent interference from the numerous radar, communication, and navigation systems operating in airport environments. This electromagnetic shielding ensures display clarity and computing reliability even when surrounded by high-power transmitters and sensitive radio equipment. VarTech can configure DiamondVue products with MIL-STD 461 compliance support for applications requiring military-grade electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility standards.
For video signal requirements, DiamondVue displays support HD-SDI (High-Definition Serial Digital Interface) inputs, enabling direct connection to professional surveillance cameras, radar processing systems, and digital video networks common in modern air traffic control facilities. HD-SDI provides uncompressed, real-time video transmission critical for displaying radar returns, runway surveillance, and approach monitoring systems without latency or compression artifacts that could affect controller decision-making.
The Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) system represents one of NextGen's biggest changes—replacing paper flight strips with electronic displays. DiamondVue computers handle the processing requirements and provide the displays controllers need to track aircraft status in real-time.
Digital communications between controllers and pilots require both processing power and clear visual interfaces. DiamondVue computers manage the data flows while the monitors display communication status and message queues.
Enhanced surveillance data from satellite systems creates more precise aircraft tracking, but that data needs displays capable of showing fine details clearly. DiamondVue displays deliver up to 1800 nits of brightness. In tower environments with extensive windows, our optical bonding process reduces the internal refraction that produces glare.
NextGen installations need to operate reliably for years, not months. DiamondVue computers and monitors are engineered for extended service life, with VarTech providing lifetime product support at no additional cost. When facilities are making major infrastructure investments, knowing the hardware will remain supported with no planned obsolescence matters. VarTech designs, manufactures, and assembles all its products in the United States using purpose-built, industrial-grade components that are managed under strict revision control.
This built-to-spec approach means each installation gets exactly what it needs. Whether it's specific mounting requirements, particular I/O configurations, or custom environmental protections, VarTech uniquely builds each order to match the application.
All manufacturing happens in Clemmons, North Carolina, meeting Build America Buy America and TAA requirements for federal projects while providing supply chain security for critical infrastructure.
The FAA has set aggressive timelines for NextGen deployment, with key programs needing to be operational by the end of 2025. Facilities that are upgrading their infrastructure need hardware partners who understand both the technical requirements and the project timelines involved.
DiamondVue computers and monitors offer the reliability, performance, and integration capabilities that NextGen facilities require. More importantly, they're backed by VarTech Systems' 36+ years of experience building computing solutions for mission-critical applications.
Contact VarTech Systems to discuss how DiamondVue products can support your NextGen modernization plans.
At VarTech Systems, our Project Managers—with an average of 15+ years of industry experience—are ready to customize a computer, monitor, or HMI workstation solution to meet your needs. Drawing from extensive backgrounds in manufacturing, military, oil and gas, and marine applications, they provide expert guidance throughout your project journey.
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Based in Clemmons, North Carolina, VarTech Systems Inc. engineers and builds custom industrial and rugged computers, monitors, and HMIs.
