Chennai, July 21 (Inditop.com) American defence and aerospace systems manufacturer Raytheon Company has bagged a $82-million air navigation modernisation contract from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
As per the deal, Raytheon, with an annual turnover of $23.2 billion, will build the ground stations for the Geosynchronous Augmented Navigation System (GAGAN), a satellite-based navigation for civil aviation over Indian airspace and adjoining areas in South and East Asia.
On its part, ISRO will provide the space segment and additional ground equipment.
According to a Raytheon statement, GAGAN will be the world’s most advanced air navigation system that will improve safety, reduce congestion while enhancing communications to meet India’s air traffic management needs.
The GAGAN system is expected to be ready by 2013.
It is also one of several systems being deployed around the world as part of an initiative endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organization to help civil aircraft transition to satellite-based signals from ground-based navigation aids.
The technology enhances navigation in all phases of flight, from take-off through landing.
Last year, the Indian government had approved a proposal of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and ISRO for GAGAN that involves an investment of Rs.774 crore.
