FAA contracts Raytheon to enhance US aviation weather data

The $77m contract supports the FAA’s NextGen Weather Processor (NWP) programme, which aims to generate accurate, timely, and improved weather information for the benefit of all US travellers.

Under the contract, the company will improve the back end weather predictability model with advanced algorithms, including 4D modelling and enhanced processing.

Raytheon Air Traffic Systems managing director Michael Espinola said: "Weather is the most disruptive factor in the NAS. Increasing the predictability window by eight hours will allow air traffic specialists to better manage flights and make the most efficient decisions to support the travelling public and business operations.

"Improving the quality and accuracy of aviation weather data products will significantly improve the efficiency and safety for all stakeholders within the system."

In addition, the company will update the display systems that are used to transmit weather information to all aviation stakeholders.

A critical part of NextGen Weather Programme, the fully-automated identifies terminal and enroute safety hazards, and also provides translated weather information required to predict route blockage and airspace capacity constraints up to eight hours in advance.

Raytheon has been supplying weather solutions to the FAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Department of Defense for more than 50 years.

Currently operational in more than 60 countries, the company’s air traffic solutions monitor more than 60% of the world’s airspace.