Specifically, Raytheon Intelligence & Space will modernise the system, in terms of system security, network architecture and adding dual frequency service.
WAAS was developed by the Federal Aviation Administration to augment GPS services by increasing its accuracy and availability.
The satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS), which provides GPS corrections for critical navigation for aircraft, first responders and other government agencies, helps ensure – for example – that pilots can land safely in difficult environments and weather.
WAAS also provides corrections for SBAS-capable receivers used in applications such as agriculture, maritime and surveyance, among others.
“There is no margin for error during take-off, flight or landing,” said Denis Donohue, president, Surveillance & Network Systems at RI&S. “Our modernisation effort for WAAS will improve system robustness during ionospheric events and ensure safety-of-life requirements continue to be met.”
The contract, for work of indefinite delivery, has a ceiling value of $375 million over the next 10 years. Raytheon Technologies has been the prime development contractor for WAAS since 1996.
The work undertaken by the company will take place at Fullerton, California.
See also: Raytheon Intelligence & Space wins contract for NextGen Weather Processor
