Raytheon wins next-Gen landing system contract.

• Author: Machi, Vivienne
• Position: Global Defense

* The U.S. Navy is working with Raytheon to complete a next-generation precision landing system to provide fighter pilots and drones with safer and more accurate landing in any environment.

The company was recently awarded a $255 million contract to complete its next-generation joint precision approach and landing system (JPALS). The contract includes options, which, if employed, would bring the value to $270 million, according to Raytheon.

JPALS uses GPS satellite navigation to assist aircraft landings on aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, even in difficult weather conditions. It also features anti-jamming capabilities.

The award builds upon the first phase of the program, which began about eight years ago, said Bob Delorge, Raytheon's vice president of transportation and support services. For the past 18 months, the company has conducted a series of tests to assist pilots in landing in a space with 20 centimeters vertical accuracy, he said.

The next phase will include an auto-land capability that would allow the plane to pinpoint a landing space anywhere on the ship's deck, said Mark Maselli, JPALS deputy program manager.

"This is good because it gives them the confidence in night missions and rough weather that they're going to sit that landing down," he said. Currently, JPALS is required to provide...