CALGARY, Alberta, 26 June 2009. NovAtel Inc., a manufacturer of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) precise positioning technology, won a contract by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop the next-generation Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) reference receiver (the GIII receiver). The total value of the contract is worth up to $9.7 million U.S.

WAAS is a space-based system that broadcasts corrections data and information to improve the overall accuracy and integrity of GPS satellite signals.

NovAtel has supported the FAA WAAS program since 1995, providing two previous generations of reference receivers for the WAAS ground network.

Michael Clayton, NovAtel's director of Aviation Programs says, "This technology refresh for the FAA WAAS system will add support for the latest-generation L1C, L2C, and L5 signal capability, on a qualified RTCA DO-178B software and DO-254 hardware platform. NovAtel has leveraged a large portion of its GPS receiver technology from other programs, which should enhance the early maturity of the receiver we develop for the FAA."

The WAAS GIII receiver program is scheduled to complete over the next three years, and will include growth provision for additional signal capability, such as the European Galileo satellite navigation satellite system.

Up to 14 receivers will be produced as part of this GIII receiver development and qualification program.