The Role of US Military AWACS over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans: Are They Necessary for Navigation?

The U.S. Air Force and Navy both operate AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft, primarily for military training and operational missions. These aircraft, such as the E2C Hawkeye, play a crucial role in air traffic control for military aircraft during missions. Would it be feasible to utilize these aircraft for civilian air traffic control over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans?

Potential Utilization of AWACS for Civilian Aircraft

Although it is a tempting thought, the primary mission of AWACS aircraft is not to provide navigational aid over the open ocean. This is because there is no need for air traffic control over vast, sparsely populated areas like the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. In these regions, commercial aircraft rely solely on their own navigational aids and communications systems, which are sophisticated and reliable enough to ensure their safe transit.

Does the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans Really Need Air Traffic Control?

Transiting large maritime regions such as the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans is a relatively uneventful task for commercial aircraft, as the vast open expanse offers little navigational challenge. However, commercial aircraft only require guidance during take-offs and landings. Once airborne, they rely on their internal navigation systems, such as GPS and several other technologies to maintain course and altitude. AWACS aircraft, busy with training or operational missions, handle interactions among 20-60 aircraft flying at an altitude of around 15,000 feet.

Historical Context: Military Air Traffic Control

During the Reagan administration, the military took over air traffic control responsibilities on several occasions. This happened after the PATCO (Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization) strike led to the dismissal of air traffic controllers. This situation underscored the robustness of the existing navigational technology and the potential for military air traffic controllers to step in during emergencies.

Navigational Aids and Reliability

Commercial aircraft are equipped with the same navigational aids as AWACS aircraft. These include ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) signals and onboard satellite communications. The Global Positioning System (GPS) and other satellite tracking systems ensure the precise location and movement of aircraft, making an additional aerial radar system like AWACS redundant in these vast maritime environments. Additionally, the coordination and communications between aircraft and on-ground ATC centers are conducted via reliable satellite communication channels.

Case Study: Mayday and Pan Pan Calls

There have been rare instances where military AWACS aircraft have assisted in resolving distress calls. These scenarios involve emergency situations where proper ground communication is delayed or obstructed, and the AWACS aircraft can provide critical support until ground contact can be established. However, these are exceptional cases, not the norm.

Conclusion: Feasibility and Cost

In conclusion, while it is technically feasible for military AWACS aircraft to provide navigational assistance over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, it is not practical or necessary. The existing navigational technology and communications infrastructure are sufficient to ensure the safe and efficient operation of commercial aircraft in these large maritime regions. The question of who would pay for such an additional service further complicates the issue, making it highly unlikely.