MITRE-CAAS Air Traffic Management Research and Development Centre Takes Shape in Singapore

The MITRE Corporation (MITRE) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) signed a seven-year contract today, with an option for a further three-year extension, to enable MITRE to establish an advanced technology research laboratory, focused on Air Traffic Management (ATM) and office in Singapore. This follows the signing of a Statement of Intent at the Singapore Airshow earlier this year in February.

(from left to right) Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, and Ms Lillian Ryals, Senior Vice President of The MITRE Corporation, signing the Memorandum of Agreement for MITRE Asia Pacific Singapore (MAPS).

The MITRE Asia Pacific Singapore (MAPS) office will replicate air traffic management laboratory and simulation tools currently available only in the United States. This advanced laboratory will facilitate a long-term program of research, development, and technology transfer for Singapore and the Asia Pacific region.

The 10,000 square foot research facility will contain MITRE-developed real-time and fast-time simulation tools that include cockpit simulation, a full wrap-around tower, en route and terminal controller work stations, and advanced traffic flow management tools and work stations. This integrated facility will be designed to easily and securely connect to other organizations’ research simulation capabilities to enable a collaborative environment for governments, industry, and academia to conduct joint research.

The initial work program is expected to start this October, with MITRE’s lab expected to be operational in January 2015. CAAS will contribute an average of S$10m per year and MITRE will contribute an average of S$6.4m per year in investments and capabilities towards the partnership.

Mr. Gregg Leone, International Director, MITRE, said "The Asia Pacific region is a unique operational environment with different challenges and growing demand that will require new or specialized solutions. MITRE has a long history of creating solutions tailored to solve unique problems and challenges, and we look forward to applying our capabilities for CAAS and the Asia Pacific region." He added, “Our initial operation in Singapore will be led by Ms. Mimi Dobbs and will include a small cadre of MITRE experts relocating to Singapore in the coming months.”

Ms. Mimi Dobbs has been with MITRE for more than 15 years, and is their Assistant Director for International who is responsible for the Asia Pacific region. Ms. Dobbs said, “I look forward to being able to help stand up this MITRE facility in Singapore and initiate research and development for CAAS and the region. We will continue to look for opportunities where MITRE can leverage existing internal research programs to help solve unique challenges in the Asia Pacific region.”

Mr. Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, CAAS, said, “By bringing together the experience and expertise in ATM from our two organisations and partners, we are confident that this collaboration, under the ambit of the wider Centre of Excellence for ATM in Singapore, will present significant value to the Asia Pacific region in addressing its distinct aviation challenges. MAPS will also facilitate ATM-related research, development, and technology transfer for Singapore and the Asia Pacific.”

About The MITRE Corporation
The MITRE Corporation is a not-for-profit organization that provides systems engineering, research and development, and information technology support to the U.S. government. MITRE operates federally funded research and development centers, including the Center for Advanced Aviation System Development that has supported the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for more than 50 years. In addition to its longstanding relationship with the FAA, MITRE provides technical expertise and support to various international civil aviation authorities, airport operators, airlines and other aviation organizations in the areas of air traffic management (ATM) systems engineering, aviation operations, airspace design and systems automation and integration. To learn more, visit www.mitre.org.

About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success. CAAS's roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international civil aviation.

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Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg