BAE Systems nears completion of next-gen military GPS user equipment

BAE Systems nears completion of next-gen military GPS user equipment
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 01, 2024

BAE Systems (LON: BA), a leader in defense and aerospace technology, has reached a pivotal phase in its development of an advanced military Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and a cutting-edge semiconductor. The company recently announced the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) for its Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE) Increment 2 Miniature Serial Interface (MSI) program.

This significant achievement marks a key milestone in a project that forms part of a substantial $247 million contract awarded in 2020 by the U.S. Space Force. The program aims to enhance the security and performance of M-Code technology, a specialized military GPS signal designed for improved resistance to potential threats such as jamming and spoofing.

Luke Bishop, the director of Navigation and Sensor Systems at BAE Systems, underscored the importance of this development. "Clearing CDR is a major milestone that paves the way for smaller high-performance receivers on the battlefield," he said. Bishop emphasized the company's commitment to equipping warfighters with the next generation of Global Navigation Satellite System Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technology.

At the heart of the MGUE Increment 2 program are two primary objectives. Firstly, the development of a new, security-certified M-Code Next-Generation Application Specific Integrated Circuit (NG ASIC). This advanced chip is designed to ensure reliable PNT in environments where GPS signals are vulnerable to interference and deception. Additionally, it incorporates multi-Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) robustness and is engineered to be more power-efficient.

The second goal is the creation and qualification of a small form-factor MSI GNSS receiver. This receiver is particularly suited for applications that demand low size, weight, and power (SWaP), making it ideal for a wide range of military platforms, including those that are battery-powered and operated by dismounted units.

Scheduled for completion in 2025, the MGUE Increment 2 program is a testament to BAE Systems' ongoing efforts to advance military navigation technology. Once deployed, these new systems will serve the U.S. and its allies, offering enhanced capabilities in the most challenging operational environments.

The work on this ambitious project is being carried out at BAE Systems' facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The company's portfolio in this domain is extensive, encompassing a range of M-Code GPS receivers that offer versatile, efficient, and dependable navigation and guidance solutions. These receivers are designed for a variety of applications, including airborne systems, precision munitions, handheld receivers, and embedded applications.