GPS Wing Receives First Ground-Based GPS Receivers from Rockwell Collins

August 26, 2010

The GPS Wing announces that Rockwell Collins has delivered 21 prototype ground-based GPS receiver application module modernized receivers, which were developed under the GPS Wing’s Receiver Card Development program. These GB-GRAM-M receivers have completed the contractor’s formal qualification testing and have been delivered to support the GPSW’s developmental test phase.

Concurrent with card delivery, Rockwell Collins conducted live satellite signal track testing to support on-orbit testing of SVN-62 (GPS IIF-1), providing feedback to the system test team from the user equipment perspective. According to the GPS Wing, the live tracking of true military-code signal and recent card deliveries mark a significant milestone in the Modernized User Equipment (MUE) receiver development program that will bring the next generation of GPS technology to the warfighter.

The goal of the MUE program is to demonstrate the critical technology needed to incorporate a new M-Code military signal and security architecture for enhanced integrity, exclusivity and improved anti-jam capabilities. These modernized precision-encrypted Y-code, M-Code, and Coarse Acquisition code receivers process legacy signals while taking advantage of advanced signal structure and frequency offered by the new military signal. The modernized constellation with M-Code will offer the warfighter a significant anti-jam advantage, improved signal security, and improved acquisition performance in a denied environment.

The Air Force will continue to focus on maintaining GPS as the premier provider of positioning, navigation, and timing for military and civilian users around the world, the GPS Wing said in a statement.