Updated M-code GPS tested on B-2 bomber
NewsDecember 06, 2017
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. The U.S. Air Force recently held a series of successful flight tests of its next-generation military-code (M-code) GPS using a Raytheon receiver aboard a B-2 Spirit (also known as a stealth bomber) at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
The M-code test onboard the B-2 -- the first ever for the aircraft -- is an important milestone for the U.S. government-led GPS modernization effort to enhance security, positioning, navigation and timing capabilities for both U.S. military and civilian applications, say Raytheon officials. Military GPS M-code receivers will enable military aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles to gain access to the modernized GPS network.
According to Raytheon personnel, the tests verified the integration of an MGUE [military GPS user equipment] -equipped risk reduction prototype of Raytheon's Miniaturized GPS Airborne Receiver with the B-2 systems during representative flight and mission profiles.
"M-code receivers unlock the next-generation GPS network for military users," said Rick Yuse, president of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. "This test demonstrated M-code capability onboard the B-2 for the first time, marking an early milestone for the overall GPS modernization effort."
Raytheon is developing M-code receivers under the terms of a contract with the USAF Global Positioning System Directorate GPS User Equipment Division.
