A digital representation of the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). Photo: FAA

[Via Satellite 10-24-2014] Raytheon has received a $131 million contract from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Dual Frequency Operations (DFO) Segment 1.

WAAS augments GPS data for use in providing more accurate navigation information for pilots, which use it for highly precise approaches requiring vertical guidance, along with other tasks. According to the FAA, WAAS improves the accuracy of GPS signals from 100 meters to almost 7 meters. Raytheon created WAAS and has worked with the FAA on improvements since 2003 when it was certified for U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). The new contract covers enhancements to the system that support the FAA’s transition to a dual frequency system.