Raytheon has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force to incorporate Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) capability into its suite of APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders to support the Federal Aviation Administration's NextGen plan for transformation of the National Airspace System.

The subsequent planned U.S. Air Force implementation schedule of ADS-B capability into the APX-119 transponders is scheduled to be completed well in advance of the deadline in the FAA's final rule, mandating compliance by 2020.

ADS-B is a space-based navigation system for air traffic management with many joint civil and military benefits, including cockpit situational awareness, reduced aircraft separation and increased capacity.

In addition, there are potential additional military operational benefits.