Looking at STARS

The Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System will replace computers and radar displays at 173 terminal air traffic control facilities and 362 airport control towers, as well as 102 Defense Department sites. STARS presents radar and flight-plan data on high-resolution color displays that also show six levels of weather data.

STARS was developed by Raytheon Co. based on commercial products, but in October 1997, air traffic controllers and maintenance technicians identified numerous usability deficiencies that resulted in extensive software development. The human-factors testing was not begun until a year into STARS' development.