"This test was significant because the GAGAN-TDS ground elements supplied by Raytheon were installed and integrated ahead of schedule," said Andy Zogg, vice president of Raytheon's Airspace Management and Homeland Security business. "More important, the system functioned properly and exceeded the accuracy requirements."

Zogg said the test's performance "solidifies Raytheon's leadership position in satellite-based navigation and continues a Raytheon track record of successfully deploying software intensive networked systems."

The GAGAN-TDS network monitors GPS signals for errors and then generates correction messages to improve the accuracy of end-users' position solution. During the test period, average accuracy was better than one meter (3.3 feet) horizontally and only slightly more than one meter vertically, thus surpassing the 7.6 meter (25 feet) requirement by a significant margin.

GAGAN-TDS is the first phase of a project sponsored by ISRO, the Indian space agency, and the Airports Authority of India to implement a space-based navigation system in Indian airspace. GAGAN is 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. Routes are more flexible and efficient, landing safety is increased, and navigation service providers offer better guidance at lower costs.

The GAGAN-TDS program consists of an Indian Monitor and Control Center in Bangalore, an Indian Land Uplink Station also in Bangalore, and eight Indian Reference Stations distributed throughout India. Raytheon supplied the subsystems, installed the units in partnership with ISRO and AAI, and then integrated the system through data links provided by ISRO and AAI.

With completion of the Preliminary System Acceptance Test, Raytheon will next work with ISRO to integrate the ground elements to a geosynchronous satellite. After integration, a signal-in-space broadcast of the GAGAN-TDS messages will be demonstrated.

"We are very pleased with the cooperative effort among Raytheon, ISRO, and AAI that led to this successful test," Zogg said. "The TDS phase of this program demonstrated how to successfully deploy an SBAS in India, so all of the participants are better prepared for the next stage of the program."

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