In an effort to build on the promise of the GPS wide-area augmentation system (WAAS), the FAA has amended a $200 million contract with Raytheon to deploy next-generation technology for satellite precision approach guidance. Under the deal, Raytheon will spend the next four years installing WAAS ground reference stations and redundant geostationary satellites for new lateral precision with vertical guidance (LPV) approaches at airports across North America.

The contract began over the summer with the installation of WAAS ground stations in Alaska to support LPV coverage for the Capstone Program. Under the revised contract, Raytheon will next deploy equipment in the lower 48 states and in Canada and Mexico through bilateral agreements the FAA has with those countries. The goal of the program is to provide precision approach coverage at thousands of airports across North America without the need to invest in expensive ILS ground facilities.