Rockwell Collins has completed the delivery of 770th Military-Code (M-Code) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to the US Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (USAF SMC).
The delivery is part of a contract that was awarded in 2012 under the Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE) programme, which seeks to improve GPS capabilities where current signals may be unavailable.
Under the contract, the company developed, delivered and will aid in the transition to M-Code receivers.
The receivers have been designed for the fifth-generation aircraft and navigate using modernised GPS signals.
Rockwell Collins Communication, Navigation and Electronic Warfare Systems vice-president and general manager Troy Brunk said: “From advanced fifth-generation aircraft to ground and maritime applications, this technology meets the warfighters’ needs for reliable and secure GPS navigation for increased situational awareness.
“This delivery demonstrates a major advancement in military technology.”
The M-Code receiver, which operates using a more powerful signal that is resistant to cyber threats, has been designed to improve traditional GPS for military use.
It coexists with existing signals without interfering with current or future civilian or military user equipment, Rockwell stated.
Designed to be autonomous, M-Code receiver allows users to calculate their positions solely using the M-Code signal compared to existing signals where more than one signal code is required.
The M-Code receivers can be applied to new and retrofitted platforms, according to the statement.
Image: The M-Code receiver operates using a more powerful signal, resistant to cyber threats. Photo: courtesy of Rockwell Collins.
