Аэропорт Ричмонда получил грант на установку транспондеров на 60 наземных транспортных средств

RIC to add safety transponders on nearly 100 airport ground vehicles FAA grant funds tracking technology to help prevent runway incursions RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Richmond International Airport has gotten grant funding to install Vehicle Movement Area Transponders, or VMATs, on about 60 airport ground vehicles. During its monthly meeting, the Capital Region Airport Commission authorized the execution of the grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. “Safety is a top priority throughout the airport, but especially on the airfield where aircraft and ground vehicles are moving in the same areas,” said Perry Miller, Ph.D., A.A.E., I.A.P., president and CEO of Richmond International Airport. “Thanks to this grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration, airport-owned vehicles that regularly access the airfield will be outfitted with a transponder, which increases their visibility and helps to prevent runway incursions.” Transponders have already been installed on 38 Commission-owned vehicles. The $205,200 FAA grant will provide funding to purchase and install 60 new transponders. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a news release that VMATs help prevent dangerous runway incidents. “Vehicle Movement Area Transmitters (VMATs) help prevent dangerous runway incidents and by accelerating the deployment of this technology, we’re closing critical visibility gaps on our nation’s runways and taxiways,” Bedford said. “This initiative is yet another example of our commitment to proactive safety improvements and strong collaboration across the aviation community.” Installing transponders on ground vehicles will make their location visible to air traffic control and aircraft through the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, or ADS-B, technology, which is the same system used to track aircraft positions in real time. Troy Bell, public information officer for Richmond International Airport, said the airport began installing VMATs after being invited to join a system already used by the FAA’s local tower technical operations vehicles. “We have equipped, so far, 38 vehicles that belong to Richmond International Airport, the Capital Region Airport Commission, already on there,” Bell said. “And then the FAA later said, we have funding available for this. So, we applied for grant funding, I believe, back in June, and then got the word recently that, you know, thumbs up, it will work. The FAA has agreed to fund about $205,000 more towards us adding us to an additional 60 vehicles at the airport.” Bell said the transponders will be installed on a wide range of airport vehicles. “Of course, we’re going to see it with operations vehicles, aircraft, rescue, and firefighting,” Bell said. “I know in the past you’ve looked at some of the machinery we use to clear snow off that. All of those will be covered as well as things like lawn mowers that are out there, police vehicles. I’m probably missing some major categories, but those are the ones that immediately come to mind.” Bell said almost all vehicles that regularly access the airfield’s critical movement areas will be equipped with transponders, though some vehicles, including those associated with parking operations, never come near a runway or taxiway. Bell said the airport must first execute the grant agreement, which he expects to happen by mid-September, followed by a standard procurement process. “As soon as we get them, we start installing them,” Bell said. “I don’t think they’re very difficult to install them. I would guess that we have the capability of doing that in-house. So as soon as possible. But we’re moving. Again, 38 already on the ground here with 60 more coming.” Bell said the technology is particularly important during periods of low visibility. “You know, rain or fog or anything else,” Bell said. “It’s really important to know where all the vehicles are around the airport. So this gives the tower a great view. And some well-equipped aircraft a good idea of where ground transportation vehicles are. It is a huge safety step. And we’re very happy and very eager to fully implement it.” Bell said the airport began installing VMAT transmitters last October, with all installations to date completed by the airport’s vehicle maintenance department. “We’re very thankful for the funding, AIP funding, from the Federal Aviation Administration to make this possible,” Bell said. Copyright 2026 WWBT. All rights reserved.