NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS)

INVESTMENT COMPONENT

Modernization

Recapitalization

Maintenance

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MISSION

Provides real-time positioning, navigation, and timing data to tactical and strategic organizations.

DESCRIPTION

The NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based, Joint-service program led by the U.S. Air Force, which distributes positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data to tactical and strategic organizations. The GPS has three segments: a space segment (nominally 24 satellites), a ground control segment, and a user equipment segment. User equipment consists of receivers configured for handheld, ground, aircraft, and watercraft applications. Military GPS receivers use the Precise Positioning Service (PPS) signal to gain enhanced accuracy and signal protection not available to commercial equipment. GPS receivers in the Army today are: the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR), with more than 168,000 as handheld receivers and 128,000 distributed for platform installations for a total of nearly 300,000 DAGRs fielded; and the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR), with more than 40,000 in handheld, installed, and integrated applications. In addition, GPS user equipment includes a Ground-Based GPS Receiver Applications Module (GB-GRAM). Over 95,000 GB-GRAMs have been procured and provide embedded PPS capability to a variety of weapon systems. The Army represents more than 80 percent of the requirement for user equipment.

DAGR

Size: 6.37 x 3.4 x 1.56 inches

Weight: one pound; fits in a two-clip carrying case that attaches to load-bearing equipment

Frequency: Dual (L1/L2)

Battery life: 19 hours (four AA batteries)

Security: Selective availability anti-spoofing module

Satellites: All-in-view

GB-GRAM

Size: 0.6 x 2.45 x 3.4 inches

Weight: 3.5 ounces

Frequency: Dual (L1/L2)

Security: Selective availability anti-spoofing module

Satellites: All-in-view

SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES

Blue Force Tracking, mobile ballistic computers, laser rangefinders, movement tracking systems, and several unmanned aerial vehicle systems

PROGRAM STATUS

PROJECTED ACTIVITIES

ACQUISITION PHASE

Technology Development

Engineering & Manufacturing Development

Production & Deployment

Operations & Support

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FOREIGN MILITARY SALES

PPS-capable GPS receivers have been sold to 41 authorized countries

CONTRACTORS

DAGR/GB-GRAM Acquisition and PLGR Support:

Rockwell Collins (Cedar Rapids, IA)

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