News Release
NovAtel Wins Next-Generation US Federal Aviation Administration WAAS Receiver Contract
CORPORATE CONTACT: |
Michael Clayton, Director of Aviation
(403) 295-4956 |
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS: |
Lori Winkler (403) 730-4677 |
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 25, 2009) – NovAtel Inc., a world-leading manufacturer of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) precise positioning technology, today announced the award of a contract by the US 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 $9.7m US.
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 worked with the FAA WAAS program since 1995, providing and supporting two previous generations of reference receivers for the WAAS ground network. Tony Murfin, NovAtel’s Vice President, Business Development stated, "This latest award demonstrates once again the confidence the FAA has in NovAtel’s ability to develop and deliver the very latest GPS receiver technology for the WAAS network."
Michael Clayton, NovAtel's Director of Aviation Programs added, "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.
About NovAtel
NovAtel Inc. is a leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) components and subsystems, including GNSS receivers, antennas, enclosures and firmware. An ISO certified company, NovAtel’s products are developed for efficient, rapid integration into its customers’ precise positioning applications. These applications include surveying, geographical information system (GIS) mapping, precision agriculture, machine control, port automation, mining, marine and defense. NovAtel’s reference receivers are at the core of national aviation ground networks in the USA, Japan, Europe, China and India. The Company maintains its leadership position through significant R&D investment focusing on the modernized Global Positioning System (GPS), the revitalized Russian GLONASS and the emerging European Galileo satellite systems, as well as the integration of additional complementary technologies such as Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). NovAtel Inc. is based in Calgary, Canada and is part of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.
For more information, visit www.novatel.com.
NovAtel is a registered trademark of NovAtel Inc.
About Hexagon AB
Hexagon AB is a global measurement technologies company with strong market positions. Hexagon's mission is to develop and market leading technologies and services to measure in one, two or three dimensions, to position and update objects and to time processes. The group has about 8 000 employees in 35 countries and net sales of about 13 000 MSEK.
Read more at www.hexagon.se.
