Lockheed wins WAAS contract
FAA contract calls for satellite communications services for the Wide Area Augmentation System
The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Lockheed Martin Air Traffic Management a contract, potentially worth $597 million, to provide uplink and satellite communications services for the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).
WAAS is a network of ground stations that correct satellite signals and broadcast them to receivers on aircraft. It enhances information provided by the Global Positioning System, a 24-satellite constellation built by the Defense Department that allows users to determine their positions anywhere in the world.
Raytheon Co., which turned over WAAS software to the FAA earlier this year, and Boeing Co. have partnered with Lockheed on this latest effort. The team will supply ground uplink stations and the technology to broadcast navigation data to satellites.
The deal has a two-year base for design and development—work valued at $34 million. It includes options to lease satellite communications services on 10-year terms.
The agency currently is conducting the operational test and evaluation of WAAS for flight safety.
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