GPS World

Category: Defense

  • VIAVI strengthens portfolio with acquisition of Inertial Labs

    VIAVI strengthens portfolio with acquisition of Inertial Labs

    VIAVI Solutions has signed an agreement to acquire Inertial Labs for $150 million. The acquisition, subject to certain regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 and has a potential for up to $175 million in contingent payments throughout the next four years. 

    This acquisition is expected to significantly boost VIAVI’s financial performance, with projections indicating an increase of approximately $50 million to the company’s Network and Service Enablement (NSE) annual revenue in 2025. Inertial Labs brings to VIAVI a comprehensive portfolio, including inertial measurement units (IMU), inertial navigation systems (INS), assured positioning navigation and timing (APNT), GNSS tracking, lidar scanning, alternative navigation (ALTNAV) and visual navigation solutions. These offerings complement VIAVI’s existing PNT and other aerospace and defense solutions.

    According to VIAVI Solutions, the acquisition is designed to open up new opportunities for VIAVI in emerging markets. Inertial Labs’ expertise in utility inspection through lidar and photogrammetry algorithms, as well as smart system navigation for airborne and autonomous ground vehicles, is expected to accelerate VIAVI’s entry into industrial and autonomous delivery and transportation end markets.

    “With a highly complementary product portfolio focused on alternate navigation solutions, this transaction supports VIAVI’s strategy to expand our presence in domestic and international aerospace and defense segments and accelerates our entry into autonomous air, land and sea systems in the military and industrial end markets,” said Oleg Khaykin, president and CEO of VIAVI.

    “We are excited that our expertise, precision solutions and resources provide expansion opportunities for VIAVI in high growth markets and applications such as drone-based lidar and camera systems,” said Jamie Marraccini, president and CEO of Inertial Labs.

  • DOD unveils counter-drone strategy amid increasing threats

    DOD unveils counter-drone strategy amid increasing threats

    The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has unveiled a comprehensive classified strategy for countering unmanned systems. This strategy, signed by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, seeks to address the evolving threats posed by unmanned systems in both current and potential future threats.

    Key components of the strategy

    This strategy is based on various DOD initiatives, such as the Joint Counter-Small UAS Office, the Warfighter Senior Integration Group, and the Replicator 2 initiative. It also appoints NORTHCOM and INDOPACOM as the lead coordinators for counter-UAS operations, promoting a unified effort in domestic and international airspace.

    The strategy identifies five primary objectives:

    1. Improving the detection and characterization of unmanned system threats.
    2. Disrupting and weakening the networks to facilitate the proliferation of unmanned systems.
    3. Defending U.S. interests by incorporating counter-unmanned systems into essential warfighting capabilities.
    4. Providing solutions that enhance speed, adaptability, and scale.
    5. Prioritizing counter-unmanned systems in the design and development of future joint forces.

    To achieve these objectives, the DOD plans to launch deliberate campaigns to counter threat networks in partnership with other U.S. departments and agencies, enhance both active and passive defenses, clarify authorities and embed defense measures across military doctrine, training and policy. Additionally, it aims to leverage rapid acquisition approaches and partnerships with industry and allies.

    A key component of this strategy is the Replicator 2 initiative, announced in September 2024. This effort focuses specifically on countering small drone threats to critical installations and force concentrations. The Pentagon aims to seek funding for Replicator 2 in the fiscal 2026 budget request, with the goal of fielding improved counter-drone capabilities within 24 months of receiving congressional funding.

  • AEVEX Aerospace acquires Veth Research Associates

    AEVEX Aerospace acquires Veth Research Associates

    AEVEX Aerospace has acquired Veth Research Associates (VRA), a veteran-owned firm specializing in navigation and autonomous systems. The partnership aims to enhance AEVEX’s capabilities in delivering solutions for unmanned systems operating in jammed and contested environments, which is essential for addressing the challenges anticipated in future conflict scenarios.

    Established in 2013, VRA brings to AEVEX its intellectual property portfolio centered around a sensor fusion engine, which powers real-time autonomous decision-making using deep neural networks and machine learning. Integrating VRA’s expertise seeks to improve AEVEX’s ability to deliver autonomous hardware and software solutions, particularly combat-proven Group-II and Group III tactical UAS operating in GPS-denied or spoofed environments.

    VRA’s LYNX vision-based navigation (VBN) system enables navigation independent of GPS. It features day/night capability, a modular design and open architecture, making it adaptable for use on both manned and unmanned platforms. It is currently deployed with multiple Department of Defense (DOD) and international users.

    Brian Raduenz, CEO of AEVEX Aerospace, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating, “With the addition of VRA’s leadership team and subject matter experts, we are well-positioned to lead the future of autonomous decision-making in contested environments. Their innovative sensor fusion engine will serve as the backbone of our navigation solutions as we advance into the next generation of GPS-denied capabilities.”

  • Clocks, eLoran, quantum navigation and best practices – UK PNT forging ahead

    Clocks, eLoran, quantum navigation and best practices – UK PNT forging ahead

    Saying the government must focus on “delivering an operational resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) system for the UK as soon as we can,”  the British Science Minister, Lord Patrick Vallance, announced several initiatives in his opening remarks to the Royal Institute of Navigation’s UK PNT Leadership Seminar on Nov. 20.

    Among them was a funding increase for the National Physical Laboratory’s National Time Centre (NTC) project, from £30 million to £62.7 million, and a plan to have NTC and the first of the nation’s new eLoran towers at initial operating capability by January of 2027.  

    Plans for all efforts beyond next year were necessarily caveated with “subject to spending review.”  

    Still, seminar attendees were gratified to hear the minister endorse the ten-point PNT policy framework published by the previous administration in 2023. It was particularly encouraging that he also committed to operationalizing it with implemented systems.

    The minister did not mention the UK’s significant investment in quantum research, which was discussed later in the seminar. This research has the potential to contribute to PNT with better timekeeping and inertial and gravimetric sensing. Three quantum hubs — one each in Scotland, the Midlands and the South — are part of this effort.

    Photo:
    Lord Vallance, UK Science Minister. (Image: 10 Dowing Street)

    Lord Vallance and Shabana Haque, Ph.D., the head of the National PNT Office, who spoke later, also mentioned two important non-technology themes.

    The first theme was that the PNT office is fully funded, staffed and very active. It was created last year as a cross-government effort and included representation from the Ministry of Defence. In addition to pushing the nation’s PNT efforts forward, the office has been engaged with numerous other governments, including those of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Japan and Korea.

    Secondly, the PNT initiatives are necessary for the nation’s resilience and security but will also be a source of economic benefits. This goes beyond PNT resilience, enabling Britain’s economy to function during local and potentially widespread GNSS disruption events. As the nation develops the technology stack to support its own resilient PNT architecture, along with enabling and supporting policies, devices and services will become marketable to others.

    Photo:
    Shabana Haque, Ph.D., head of the UK PNT Office, spoke to the RIN at its 2024 UK PNT Leadership Seminar. (Image: RIN)

    A sovereign PNT capability that can both stand independently and cooperate with GNSS is becoming increasingly attractive to many nations. Being able to source such a capability from a respected and trusted ally such as Great Britain could make acquiring and implementing such a system much easier for many.

    The UK government has been working with several partners to advance its understanding and planning implementation of an eLoran capability. Haque highlighted work with the ESA’s F)!NAVISP program, resulting in the UK’s Roke developing an eLoran antenna for handheld devices. She also discussed the integration of the National Timing Centre’s clock and fiber network with eLoran signals and the development of GNSS/eLoran receivers. Of particular interest to many was an “eLoran Effectiveness Report” that the government commissioned and received from the General Lighthouse Authority’s Research and Development (GRAD) team. GRAD has had extensive experience with the technology, having operated and evaluated a differential eLoran system along Britain’s east coast for more than a year.

    In a related move that helped signal the UK’s commitment to the technology, the Ministry of Defence issued a request for information (RFI) about a deployable eLoran capability in September. The RFI indicated that the document was a prelude to an acquisition.

    The UK Science Minister also praised the RIN’s work and publication of a series of tools to help explain PNT and the need for resilience to those outside the community. The tools will also help organizations evaluate their readiness for GNSS disruptions.

    Available from the RIN’s Resilient PNT Portal, they are:

    The RIN recommends that PNT experts use these tools to work with customers, suppliers and partners and act as a “guiding hand.”

    The RIN sees these all as a “phase 1 release.” Feedback on the tools is encouraged and should be sent to [email protected] The RIN team say they are eager to know what works, what could be improved, and to receive suggestions for other efforts.

    As a “learned society,” the RIN has a significant influence on government policy and direction. Lord Vallance recognized this, saying that “the Royal Institute has played a really important role in recent years to highlight the PNT opportunity and risk, to provide expertise, and to work with government on solutions.”

    The RIN’s director, John Pottle, and RIN Fellows Ramsey Faragher, Guy Buesnel and Andy Proctor were all recognized during the seminar for their contributions to the organization’s resilient PNT efforts.

    Commercial eLoran to be offered in the UK

    Hellen Systems, Inc. and Arqiva have partnered to develop a commercial eLoran service in the United Kingdom. The announcement was made on the Hellen Systems LinkedIn page.

    The partners seek to support critical national infrastructure, government, and military users by citing the need for “sovereign, independent, resilient” PNT alternatives.

    eLoran is deployed and operating across China and South Korea. Older versions of Loran are operating in Russia and Saudi Arabia. Yet, aside from a single transmitter in the UK being used as a timing signal, operating Loran systems have been off the air in the West since the European system shut down in deference to Galileo in 2016.

    In recent years, increasing interference with GNSS signals has rekindled Western interest in the technology. The European Space Agency (ESA) recently sponsored a project that produced an eLoran antenna suitable for mobile devices. Three transmitters are on-air in the U.S., presumably for testing, and the UK Ministry of Defence has issued a request for information, which is expected to lead to the purchase of a deployable eLoran system (the U.S. Air Force operated a deployable capability called Loran-D in the 1970s).

    Originally developed and used in World War II, some still view Loran as old technology. Its advocates counter that today’s telephones and televisions are vastly improved over 1940s technology, and the same is true for eLoran over its older Loran-A and Loran-C versions.

    A high-power terrestrial system operating at 100kHz, UK demonstrations with differential eLoran in 2014 showed an accuracy of 10 m positioning and 50 ns timing. The positioning accuracy for the previous version of Loran, Loran-C, was approximately 460 m absolute accuracy, 90 m repeatable accuracy and 5 µs.

    Hellen Systems’ President, Bridge Littleton, says the partnership is “… excited to bring commercial eLoran to the UK as a unique resilient PNT capability” and cites its advantages as a secure signal able to penetrate deep indoors without the need for an external antenna. The UK frequency regulator, Ofcom, proposed offering commercial eLoran licenses in 2022 and began the process in 2023. Hellen was granted a UK spectrum license for eLoran earlier this year.

    The announcement also lists Microchip, Chronos Technology, Ltd, Continental Electronics, and CGI as team members in the project.

  • Launchpad: Anti-jamming, underwater topographic surveying, Triple-Band RTK receivers and more

    Launchpad: Anti-jamming, underwater topographic surveying, Triple-Band RTK receivers and more

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the November 2024 issue of GPS World magazine.

    OEM

    High-Dynamics MEMS Gyro
    Designed for precision navigation applications

    The GYPRO4300 is a high-dynamics MEMS gyro designed for precision navigation applications. It features a ±300 °/s input range, 200 Hz bandwidth and 1 ms latency, making it ideal for dynamic environments. With a bias instability of 0.4 °/h and an angular random walk of 0.07 °/√h, the GYPRO4300 offers high-performance sensing in a compact, digital and low size, weight and power (SWaP) package.

    Building on the GYPRO4300, the GYPRO4050 is a specialized north-seeking gyro for low-dynamics applications. This derivative offers 2° azimuth accuracy and is currently in the customer sampling stage. The GYPRO4050 maintains the same miniature package design as its predecessor, ensuring consistency across the product line.

    At INTERGEO 2024, TDK showcased a prototype based on an ongoing research and development project. This new development utilizes the same miniature package as the GYPRO4300 and GYPRO4050 but demonstrates ultra-low noise capabilities, achieving an azimuth accuracy of less than 1°. This product is slated for launch in 2025.

    Tronics Microsystems, tronics.tdk.com

    Anti-Jamming
    For challenging GNSS environments

    This series of anti-jamming antennas comes in two models, PT023 and PT024. The antennas are specifically engineered to operate in challenging environments characterized by complex electromagnetic interference, high-power signals and strong multipath effects.

    They are well-suited for scenarios involving low-elevation angle interference, high-power interference sources and radio communication system noise. The PT023 model utilizes multiple array elements combined with amplitude and phase manipulation to achieve spatial radiation shaping. This antenna also incorporates advanced multi-level filtering technology, effectively suppressing out-of-band noise power.

    The PT024 model features vertical and horizontal two-dimensional polarization suppressors. This design effectively mitigates the reception of both odd and even LHCP and RHCP signals originating from the rear of the antenna, according to the company. It can also suppress low-elevation multipath signals at the same frequency and out-of-band noise signals. These features seek to enhance the antenna’s performance in complex electromagnetic environments.

    Harxon Corporation, harxon.com

    Triple-Band RTK Receivers
    Integrated into ArduSimple’s evaluation boards

    The UM980, UM981 and UM982 RTK modules are integrated into the ArduSimple simpleRTK3B series to accelerate high-precision GNSS integration. Supporting Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) and fast update rate (50Hz), these devices are suitable for applications that require reliable and precise navigation.

    • SimpleRTK3B Budget (UM980): The most affordable step into triple-band precision.
    • SimpleRTK3B Fusion (UM981): Ideal for projects that need GNSS and inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor fusion or tilt compensation.
    • SimpleRTK3B Compass (UM982): Designed for setups requiring dual antennas to determine the heading on moving platforms.

    ArduSimple has also integrated Unicore UM980, UM981 or UM982 modules into the simpleRTK3B Micro Unicore, part of its compact Micro-format lineup. It is designed for simple PCB integration, which can significantly speed up the development process and the time to market for new products.

    Unicore, en.unicore.com

    OEM GNSS Antenna
    Full-band, full-frequency antennas

    The HX-SE402A and HX-SE403A are full-band, full-frequency antennas that integrate GNSS capabilities with a low-profile radio antenna to support 858-878MHz and 902-928MHz frequency bands. This addresses the growing need for devices requiring both navigation and communication functionalities. Harxon’s new low-profile technology achieves the same functionality at 10 mm height, allowing greater versatility in applications that demand precise positioning alongside wireless communication. Additionally, Harxon offers custom tuning services to optimize integration into OEM end-user modules for specific applications.

    Harxon Corporation, harxon.com

    UAV

    OEMs
    Engineered for autonomous applications

    Advanced Navigation has expanded its Certus product line by introducing the Certus Mini series. This development marks a significant advancement in compact and high-performance navigation technology for field robots, autonomous vehicles and UAVs.

    The Certus Mini series comes in three variants:

    • Certus Mini D: A dual-antenna inertial navigation system (INS).
    • Certus Mini N: A GNSS-aided INS.
    • Certus Mini A: An attitude and heading reference system (AHRS).

    These lightweight systems, weighing no more than 55 grams (1.9 oz), offer impressive performance and cost-efficiency for their size. The Certus Mini D utilizes dual-antenna GNSS for accurate heading, position and velocity measurements. It operates on L1/L5 multi-constellation GNSS and offers enhanced interference immunity and position accuracy, particularly in challenging urban environments. The Certus Mini series suits various applications, including surveying, agricultural robotics, open-pit mining and asset tracking.

    Advanced Navigation, advancednavigation.com

    Direct Georeferencing Solution
    Designed for UAV mapping

    The APX RTX portfolio is a new line of direct georeferencing solutions designed for UAV mapping sensors. This system enables high-accuracy mapping across diverse environments, ideal for OEMs and UAV payload integrators. At the core of the APX RTX portfolio is the Trimble CenterPoint RTX technology, which offers both real-time and post-mission direct georeferencing. This capability allows for centimeter-level accuracy without the need for base stations, making it compatible with various sensors, including cameras, lidar and hyperspectral mapping devices.

    Trimble, trimble.com

    Fixed-Wing UAV
    Integrates YellowScan Voyager lidar

    The DT46 lidar UAV is a fixed-wing system designed for long-distance inspections and the creation of precise digital twins. The DT46 model integrates the YellowScan Voyager lidar with a high-resolution RGB camera. Equipped with a laser scanner with a 100° field of view and an acquisition rate of up to 2400 kHz, the YellowScan Voyager offers optimal point density for demanding projects.

    With a flight range of up to 300 km, depending on whether vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) or catapult take-off is employed, the UAV is designed for long-distance operations and can be deployed in under 15 minutes without requiring specialized tools. This autonomous solution offers a seamless end-to-end solution for various industries requiring aerial surveying and inspection capabilities.

    DELAIR, delair.aero

    Surveying

    GNSS Receiver
    Featuring a multi-constellation antenna

    The Stonex S900 GNSS receiver features a high-accuracy, multi-constellation antenna, a powerful UHF transmitter and the GSM 4G modem for a fully integrated communications choice, combined with a light and modern design. It tracks signals from GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS satellites. On the S900, two smart hot-swappable batteries can be inserted simultaneously, ensuring a maximum of 12 hours of operation. The power level can be checked and seen on the controller or directly on an LED bar on the battery.

    Stonex, stonex.it

    USV
    For underwater topographic surveying

    The HydroBoat 1500 is a versatile unmanned surface vessel (USV) driven by four powerful thrusters and designed to carry out underwater topographic surveys of lakes, rivers, reservoirs and other bodies of water. With a payload capacity of 60 kg, it can be integrated with the SatLab HydroBeam M4 portable multibeam echosounder, as well as a variety of other payloads such as side scan sonars and ADCPs. The vessel is IP67-rated and includes a millimeter-wave radar and 360° omnidirectional camera for accurate obstacle detection and safe navigation. It is also equipped with a dual RF and 4G cellular communications system.

    SatLab, satlab.com

    Laser RTK
    With a laser range of up to 50 m

    The Jupiter Laser RTK integrates GNSS, auto-IMU (inertial measurement unit), laser and dual-camera systems into a single unit. It incorporates a precise green laser that remains visible even in bright daylight. This feature allows for precise measurements of points in hard-to-reach, signal-blocked or potentially hazardous locations. It also features a night vision camera, allowing users to see feature points even in low-light conditions.

    The RTK system’s laser range is up to 50 m, making it suitable for challenging surveying environments. It incorporates visual technology to offer surveyors an immersive experience during surveying and stakeout operations, improving working efficiency and productivity.

    Comnav Technology, comnavtech.com

    UAV Lidar Scanner
    Designed for aerial surveying

    EchoONE combines Teledyne’s lidar and camera technology with Inertial Labs’ remote sensing payload instrument (RESEPI). EchoONE is designed for industries requiring precise aerial surveying and mapping solutions, such as land surveying, electric utility vegetation management, asset modeling, as well as transportation and infrastructure projects. Users can create detailed 3D models for infrastructure and asset management, offering valuable insights for maintenance and planning. EchoONE also generates fully undecimated georeferenced point clouds in real time, which allows for in-field verification. This capability is complemented by rapid post-processing through RESEPI’s “one-click” PC-Master Pro solution.

    Teledyne Geospatial, teledyneimaging.com

    Receiver
    With IMU tilt compensation

    The i83 Pro is an inertial measurement unit (IMU) real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS receiver. This receiver combines GNSS capabilities with extensive compatibility options to address the diverse needs of surveying, construction, and mapping professionals. It incorporates CHCNAV’s third-generation GNSS antenna and the latest iStar algorithm, designed to boost GNSS signal tracking efficiency by 30%, according to the company. With 336 channels supporting GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS constellations, it can achieve centimeter-level precision rapidly, even in challenging environments.

    The i83 Pro supports various GNSS surveying modes, such as RTK Networks NTRIP and UHF base-rover configurations. It features an IP68-rated enclosure for dust and water protection, a compact and lightweight design for enhanced portability, a high-resolution color display for clear status information and a 20-hour battery life for continuous operation in rover mode.

    CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

    Mapping

    Software Solution
    Featuring a GIS interface

    LP360 Land is designed to process lidar, GNSS and SLAM data from handheld sensors, particularly the TrueView GO handheld scanner. It features a GIS interface that allows users to combine various geospatial datasets and offers SLAM point cloud processing capabilities. Additionally, LP360 Land includes advanced visualization tools that support multiple synchronized windows for 2D, 3D, profile and immersive views.

    Its coordinate system management includes datum and projection transformations. The software also offers quality assurance and control (QA/QC) tools, along with data editing and cleaning functionalities. Users can perform manual and automatic registration of point clouds and utilize an image explorer for contextual analysis by linking point clouds to photos, which allows for the generation of accurate and colorized point clouds even in GPS-denied environments.

    GeoCue, geocue.com

  • Advanced Navigation, MBDA improve resilient navigation technology

    Advanced Navigation, MBDA improve resilient navigation technology

    Advanced Navigation and MBDA have partnered to co-develop a resilient navigation system that incorporates MBDA‘s NILEQ absolute positioning technology.

    The collaboration aims to provide robust absolute positioning for a variety of airborne platforms, enhancing navigation reliability in both civilian and military sectors. The joint effort is part of a broader initiative to boost research and technology development between the United Kingdom and Australia, aligning with the objectives of AUKUS Pillar 2 — a component of the security partnership between Australia, the UK and the U.S. in September 2021. The partnership includes informed decision-making, strategic autonomy and heightened combat efficiency in the face of emerging threats.

    This partnership underscores the importance of developing navigation technologies that are resilient against interference, especially in an era marked by increasing geopolitical tensions and electronic warfare threats such as GPS jamming and spoofing.

    NILEQ technology utilizes neuromorphic sensors to identify and compare terrain fingerprints, taking inspiration from biological change detection processes. This sensing technology captures data on changing terrain as an airborne system flies over it, matching this data to an existing database of the Earth’s surface. As a result, systems such as UAVs can achieve a precise position fix on land using a passive solution that is resistant to interference, which enhances the safety of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.

    The collaboration will conclude with a real-world demonstration of the NILEQ technology in Australia, validating its effectiveness in delivering resilient navigation solutions.

  • WingXpand, Raytheon enhance AI-solutions, launch VOTL

    WingXpand, Raytheon enhance AI-solutions, launch VOTL

    WingXpand, a U.S. provider of autonomous smart planes with artificial intelligence (AI) threat detection capabilities, has collaborated with RTX’s Raytheon. The partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of WingXpand’s smart planes, which already feature a library of AI algorithms designed to provide soldiers with real-time threat identification.

    Enhanced threat detection

    The smart planes’ open systems architecture allows for the seamless integration of organic and third-party applications and payloads, designed for mission flexibility as threats and tactics evolve. Raytheon’s advanced infrared technology seeks to enhance the capabilities of WingXpand’s smart planes by improving their ability to detect and identify potential threats at greater distances. This integration allows tactical ground units and command leadership to receive more precise, real-time information about their surroundings, facilitating faster and more informed decision-making in the field.

    New VTOL capability

    In addition to the Raytheon collaboration, WingXpand has introduced a new vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability for its xRAI smart plane. This feature expands the operational versatility of the aircraft, which is designed to be compact enough to fit in a backpack. The VTOL option allows the xRAI to take off and land vertically, making it ideal for operations in tight spaces and challenging environments. WingXpand’s smart planes can be used in both defense and civil missions.

  • Europe moving toward a “timing backbone” and looking for input

    Europe moving toward a “timing backbone” and looking for input

    Citing a need for better “positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) resilience, availability and continuity,” a market consultation document from the EU’s Joint Research Center (JRC) says establishing a resilient PNT ecosystem is essential for “…EU autonomy, the economy’s overall resilience and EU global standing.” Therefore, creating this system-of-system ecosystem “… should be considered a critical priority for the EU.”

    Such an approach to PNT and resilience is a major feature of the 2023 European Radio Navigation Plan.

    According to the JRC, complementary (or continuous) PNT, or C-PNT, is the combination of existing space assets (GNSS) and future services that can work together in the multi-system ecosystem. This extends the service to areas where GNSS is not available and increases overall resilience.

    The JRC document goes on to say, “The first step towards the creation of such a C-PNT ecosystem is the deployment of the terrestrial timing backbone.”

    Such a backbone would:

    • Interconnect existing Member States (MS) National Metrological Institutes (NMI) and National Research and Education Networks (NREN) architectures into a pan-European network.
    • Maintain and (if possible) enhance the existing use cases (NMI, NREN and their existing commercial customers) and enable time connections to critical entities (CE), as regulated by the directive on the resilience of critical entities, while also promoting GNSS for additional resilience.
    •  Enable the commercial utilization of timing backbone to enhance EU competitiveness and enable further growth.

    Responsibility for navigation issues with the European Union is somewhat dispersed. The European Radio Navigation Plan is developed as a staff working document published by the European Commission’s Director General for Defense, Industry and Space (DG DEIFS). This directorate implements the EU Space Programme, which is, in turn, managed by EUSPA, an EU executive agency.

    At the same time the European Space Agency’s Navigation Directorate is responsible for “…positioning, navigation, and timing services of the European satellite navigation system Galileo and the augmentation system EGNOS” under agreement with EC. It is also responsible for ”…exploring future applications of navigation technologies for science and daily life.”

    This latter includes the Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP). And while space is an important consideration in NAVISP, the program has funded some decidedly non-space projects such as the UK’s MarRINav effort which focused on terrestrial PNT, and development of an eLoran antenna for handheld devices.

    The Joint Research Center supports a wide range of EU stakeholders for PNT efforts including DG DEFIS, ESA, member states, and pan-European organizations.

    A “market consultation” may not seem to many as an affirmative step toward establishing a timing backbone for Europe. Experienced observers, though, point to the wealth of documentation both ESA and DG DEFIS have produced on the need for PNT resilience and the benefits that will accrue to member nations.

    “The EU is very consultation and consensus-driven,” says timing expert Magnus Danielson at Net Insight. “So, you are not going to see the kind of top-down orders to do things as you might for a single state. Some of these decisions are made by each member state, as they should be. I am sure (European) Commission and ESA officials have seen what Sweden has done with distributed timing clocks operated by Netnoed, what the U.K. NPL is doing with its clock network, and are concerned about Russian jamming and spoofing in Ukraine and the Baltic. It’s pretty easy to connect the dots and make reinforcing PNT for Europe’s critical infrastructure and applications a priority. Working with the EC-JRC to develop this has been rewarding. Here’s hoping they move quickly enough. Several member states and friendly neighbors have already responded positively, and I sure the market consultation feedback will aid in moving decisions forward.”

    The concept of a system-of-systems approach to resilient PNT that is underpinned by network timing is not a new one. The 2008 U. S. National PNT Architecture articulated such an approach, though it was never implemented. In 2020 the RNT Foundation expanded on this idea in a paper advocating a U.S. national resilient timing architecture using signals from space, fiber, and terrestrial broadcast. China’s National Timing Service Center adopted a similar strategy. Media reports indicate China has completed or will soon complete its High Accuracy, Ground-based Timing System with 20,000km of fiber, 295 timing stations, and nation-wide eLoran service.

    The EU is asking for input about a European Timing Backbone and is interested in hearing from anyone, whether or not they are EU citizens.*

    Visit the EU Science Hub page before Dec. 9 and take the survey.

  • Alleged North Korea GPS jamming disrupts flights and ships in South Korea

    Alleged North Korea GPS jamming disrupts flights and ships in South Korea

    South Korea’s military has reported that North Korea disrupted GPS signals from border areas for the fifth consecutive day, impacting numerous civilian flights and maritime vessels. This interference originated from the western border cities of Kaesong and Haeju, North Korea.

    According to NBC News, the GPS jamming affected the West Sea (Yellow Sea) area. While the exact number of affected flights and vessels was not specified, the disruption was significant enough to prompt warnings from South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to aircraft and ships operating near the western border.

    “We urge North Korea to stop GPS interference provocations immediately and strongly warn that it will be held fully accountable for any resulting consequences,” South Korea’s joint chiefs said in a statement.

    The incident occurs amidst escalating tensions between North and South Korea. It follows recent provocations by North Korea, including test-firing of advanced solid-fuel ICBMs, launching balloons carrying waste and propaganda into South Korea and allegations of North Korean troops being deployed to support Russia in Ukraine.

    Aviation specialists have expressed concerns about the risks posed by these jamming activities, including potential dangers to commercial airlines flying in poor visibility, complications in airline operations, and violation of international conventions on navigational safety.

    The GPS jamming is seen as part of North Korea’s electronic and psychological warfare tactics, highlighting the vulnerability of South Korea’s critical infrastructure, notably the Incheon International Airport.

    Experts warn that jamming attacks can lead to serious incidents, including potential aircraft accidents in worst-case scenarios. The ongoing situation underscores the complex security challenges in the Korean peninsula and the broader implications for regional navigation stability.

  • Xona Space Systems, QASCOM advance resilient PNT

    Xona Space Systems, QASCOM advance resilient PNT

    Xona Space Systems has partnered with QASCOM to integrate Xona PULSAR into QASCOM’s GNSS software-defined radio (SDR), the QN400-P. The integration is designed to strengthen positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) resiliency in the face of persistent threats.

    The partnership seeks to deliver security, jamming and spoofing resistance and next-gen accuracy for industries such as UAV navigation and defense.


    The QN400-P receiver offers multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS capabilities, including GPS and Galileo. Additionally, it includes measures for the mitigation of jamming and spoofing and is compatible with low-Earth orbit (LEO) PNT services, such as Xona’s PULSAR.

    The demand for more robust, secure and accurate navigation is increasing across various industries, including agriculture, construction and autonomous systems. The integration of Xona and QASCOM technologies aims to deliver solutions for these sectors, as well as for other relevant applications and use cases.

  • Aerodata AG secures EASA certification for GPS anti-jamming and spoofing technology

    Aerodata AG secures EASA certification for GPS anti-jamming and spoofing technology

    Aerodata AG has been granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its advanced GPS anti-jamming and anti-spoofing solution. The certification applies to installations integrated with Garmin 5000 avionics in a Cessna Citation Latitude jet.

    With the growing threat of GPS jamming and spoofing in both civil and military aviation, Aerodata has developed a robust solution to offer continuous GPS availability. As attacks on GPS systems continue to increase, this anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology is crucial in maintaining safe and reliable aviation operations.


    Aerodata’s solution seeks to enhance its special mission capabilities, especially in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions and flight inspection, where continuous, highly accurate navigation is crucial.

    Aerodata’s GPS Anti-Jamming and Spoofing Solution also positions Aerodata to reduce the vulnerability of its unmanned solutions to GPS interference, ensuring operational integrity across a wide range of manned and unmanned platforms. The newly certified system has undergone comprehensive testing and validation, and Aerodata is working on extending its capabilities to other aircraft platforms, targeting both civil and military applications.

  • Astranis to develop resilient GPS satellites for USSF

    Astranis to develop resilient GPS satellites for USSF

    Astranis has been selected as one of four prime contractors for the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command’s (SSC) new Resilient GPS (R-GPS) program. This initiative aims to augment the existing GPS constellation with small, low-cost satellites to enhance resilience for both military and civil users. The program’s initial phase, Lite Evolving Augmented Proliferation (LEAP), aims to launch up to eight satellites by 2028.

    As part of this effort, Astranis has been awarded an $8 million contract for concept development. The company plans to leverage its expertise in manufacturing and operating low-cost, high-orbit satellites. Specifically, Astranis will utilize its MicroGEO satellite design and Octane Software-Defined Radio hardware to advance the R-GPS spacecraft design.

    The R-GPS program is characterized by a rapid development timeline. It utilizes the “Quick Start” authority, which allows for contract awards in under six months. Ultimately, the USSF envisions a proliferated fleet of over 20 small GPS satellites to enhance navigation and timing capabilities.

    These satellites will incorporate the latest GPS signals, including M-code, to offer optimal performance even in contested environments. In addition to Astranis, other contractors involved in the initial phase include Axient, L3Harris and Sierra Space.