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Radio Navigation – Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)

Filed Under: Communication and Navigation

Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)

To increase the accuracy of GPS for aircraft navigation, the wide area augmentation system (WAAS) was developed. It consists of approximately 25 precisely surveyed ground stations that receive GPS signals and ultimately transmit correction information to the aircraft. An overview of WAAS components and its operation is shown in Figure 11-154.

Figure 11-154. The wide area augmentation system (WAAS) is used to refine GPS positions to a greater degree of accuracy. A WAAS enabled GPS receiver is required for its use as corrective information is sent from geostationary satellites directly to an aircraft’s GPS receiver for use.
Figure 11-154. The wide area augmentation system (WAAS) is used to refine GPS positions to a greater degree of accuracy. A WAAS enabled GPS receiver is required for its use as corrective information is sent from geostationary satellites directly to an aircraft’s GPS receiver for use.

WAAS ground stations receive GPS signals and forward position errors to two master ground stations. Time and location information is analyzed, and correction instructions are sent to communication satellites in geostationary orbit over the NAS. The satellites broadcast GPS-like signals that WAAS enabled GPS receivers use to correct position information received from GPS satellites.

A WAAS enable GPS receiver is required to use the wide area augmentation system. If equipped, an aircraft qualifies to perform precision approaches into thousands of airports without any ground-based approach equipment. Separation minimums are also able to be reduced between aircraft that are WAAS equipped. The WAAS system is known to reduce position errors to 1–3 meters laterally and vertically.

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