Upgrading The WAAS Network

The FAA and Raytheon have fined tuned their contract that calls for the aerospace company to augment the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) system.

What that means to the average pilot is better GPS services down the road.

"The contract modification marks another milestone in the continuing satellite navigation partnership between Raytheon and the FAA," said Bob Eckel, vice president of air traffic management systems at Raytheon, in a statement. "We are pleased to have been a part of the FAA's success in achieving WAAS initial operational capability in 2003, and we look forward to continuing this relationship as WAAS evolves into a seamless, high-availability satellite-based navigation system throughout North America."

WAAS is an ultra-accurate navigation system developed for civil aviation. Before WAAS, the National Airspace System (NAS) did not have the ability to provide horizontal and vertical navigation for precision approach operations for all users at all locations. With WAAS, this capability is becoming a reality. WAAS provides service for all classes of aircraft in all flight operations - including en route navigation, airport departures, and airport arrivals. This includes precision landing approaches in all weather conditions at all locations throughout the NAS.

The Raytheon contract modification itself is worth $204 million, as the company continues augmenting the current GPS system. Over the summer, Raytheon started work on four Reference Stations in Alaska. They'll cover the entire state as part of the Capstone Program, aimed at improving air safety in Alaska.

FMI: www.faa.gov