General Dynamics Mission Systems subsidiary GPS Source, Inc. has developed jam-resistant Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (MAPS) GPS systems designed to provide soldiers in combat vehicles with more reliable access to positioning, navigation, & timing data.

Imagine a soldier in a U.S. Army vehicle convoy using GPS to travel through harsh terrain in unfamiliar territory. Suddenly, their GPS signal is interrupted. The soldier may not even know it yet, but his convoy is now hundreds of miles from their destination without their primary method of navigation.

Attacks on GPS signals from adversaries are becoming more frequently reported in the news and are an active threat to U.S. Forces. These attacks affect not only navigation systems, but also warfighters' ability to fire GPS guided missiles, identify the locations of friends and foes, and maintain precise timing for their communications systems.

In response to this threat, the U.S. Army has begun fielding Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (MAPS) systems designed to provide soldiers in combat vehicles with more access to GPS signals and alternative GPS data input and validation.

The 1st Generation (Gen-1) version of the MAPS GPS system was developed by General Dynamics Mission Systems subsidiary, GPS Source, Inc. These jam-resistant GPS systems are designed to provide trusted and reliable positioning, navigation, and timing data, independent of the availability or integrity of GPS signals. The MAPS Gen-1 system includes GPS Source’s latest Assured Positioning, Navigation, & Timing (APNT) products:

• Enhanced D3 (ED3) Receiver – Provides access to SAASM and M-Code protected GPS data
• VICTORY CSAC Accessory Module (VCAM) – Contains a Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC), software designed for electronic surveillance / electronic protection (ES/EP), and allows for integration of other solutions such as an Inertial Navigation System (INS) and anti-jam antennas
• Anti-Jam Antenna System (AJAS) – Mitigates impact of enemy jammers with the use of a FRPA antenna and Anti-Jam Antenna Integration Module (AJAIM)

The MAPS Gen-1 GPS system has been shipped out for use by the Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Germany in the Fall of 2019, to generate quick feedback from the field, allowing for rapid improvement and development in the 2nd and 3rd generation phases. Eventually, the Army hopes to roll out the systems on a larger scale to troops throughout the world.

Mounted Assured PNT System (MAPS) Gen 1 is now available for order via the Common Hardware Systems (CHS-5) contract for indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) acquisitions.

More on GPS Source’s APNT Products

GPS Source’s Assured Positioning, Navigation, & Timing (APNT) products are designed to be integrated into ground vehicles and airborne platforms. These products enable warfighters to continue combat operations in GPS contested environments by validating GPS data, detecting and mitigating the effects of an electronic warfare attack on GPS, and maintaining precise timing required for critical combat systems. Learn more about APNT products on GPSSource.com.