Honeywell to Develop GRAS GPS Air Nav For Airservices Australia

August 8, 2005

Honeywell International received a contract from Airservices Australia, the Australian government's air navigation service provider, to develop a new system that will enhance the accuracy and integrity of global positioning system (GPS) navigation. The system is designed to improve air safety and enable many smaller airports without traditional navigation aids to continue operations in reduced visibility conditions.

The new Ground-Based Regional Augmentation System (GRAS) will utilize a network of very high frequency (VHF) radio stations - some existing and some new - that will transmit radio signals that correct for inherent GPS navigation errors.

While aircraft are in the en-route phase of flight, the GRAS signal improves navigation accuracy, integrity and overall safety, according to Honeywell. In the terminal area, the improved accuracy and integrity enables the GPS to provide lateral and vertical guidance, enabling pilots to safely fly an instrument approach down to within 250 feet above the ground in low visibility or terrain-challenged environments.

A GRAS reference station, said Honeywell, compares information transmitted by GPS satellites with the station's surveyed location, then links that information to the VHF transmitters for broadcast to airplanes. The aircraft's navigation system uses this information to correct its data output.

"GRAS will enable continued operations in inclement weather at many small regional airports that currently do not have instrument approach capability," said Mike Hoodspith Sr., manager of Honeywell Global Business Development. "This system not only will enhance aviation safety, but it can boost the economy in small and remote communities by providing local businesses with a reliable and cost-effective transportation system."

Twenty countries have already indicated interest in the system, a potential value in excess of $300 million U.S., said Honeywell.

Honeywell announced on June 13 that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has awarded it a contract amendment for continued research and development of the Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS), a somewhat similar system to GRAS, being developed for initial use in the U.S.

LAAS or its international equivalent, Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS), functions much like GRAS, but covers a smaller area and offers even greater accuracy, continuity and signal integrity. GBAS stations will eventually provide instrument approach and landing guidance in all weather conditions at all airports worldwide, said Honeywell.

Source: Honeywell International.