Eclipse Aviation Corporation has revealed that FreeFlight Systems will be the exclusive supplier of GPS/WAAS navigation sensors for the Avio system in the Eclipse 500 jet.

The wide area augmentation system (WAAS) is said to enhance accuracy for the Global Positioning System (GPS), providing precision lateral and vertical guidance to the aircraft. Said a spokesman: “This agreement exemplifies Eclipse’s commitment to advanced avionics systems and FreeFlight’s commit-ment to remain a leader in the development of future aircraft guidance systems.”

Unlike traditional ground-based navigation aids, the satellite-based WAAS will cover nearly all of the national airspace system. The WAAS provides augmentation information to GPS receivers to enhance the accuracy, availability and integrity of position estimates.

WAAS will provide precision guidance to aircraft at thousands

of airports and airstrips where

there is currently no precision landing capability.