M-Code GPS receiver introduced by BAE Systems| Electronics Weekly

M-Code GPS

The military system uses the advanced M-Code GPS signal to improve protection against modern jamming and spoofing threats, says the company. Using the IS-GPS-153 military-standard interface, it features a full‑colour UI with waypoint navigation and a moving‑map display. The company quotes an eight hour battery life of continuous use four standard AA cells.

Other user features include storage of up to 24GB of regional maps, laser range finder support, area navigation with waypoint storage, and support for MPE-M (Miniature PLGR Engine – M-Code) position formats.

In terms of acquisition speed, it features accelerated Direct-Y and Direct-M code acquisitions, with a hot start time-to-first-fix (TTFF) of less than 15 seconds, says BAE.

It also supports encrypted M-Code and Y-Code only operational modes, Over-The-Air-Rekeying (OTAR), and Blue Force Electronic Attack (BFEA) mitigation. And with simultaneous dual-frequency tracking of L1 and L2 GPS signals, it reportedly achieves a time accuracy of 100 nanoseconds and a position accuracy of less than 5 meters CEP (Circular Error Probable).

Finally, the device weighs 567 grams.

System

In detail, system characteristics are specified as follows:

Dynamics (velocity) – Man-portable: 10 m/s maximum
Dynamics (velocity) – Surface vehicle: 25 m/s maximum
Time accuracy: 100 nanoseconds
Position accuracy: PPS:<5 meters CEP*
Acquisition time – TTFF (95%): < 15 sec hot start <70 sec warm start
Acquisition time – TTSF (95%): < 20 sec (Off or Standby <15 min)
Acquisition time – TTSF (95%): <38 sec (Off or Standby <60 min)
Velocity accuracy – Man-portable: 0.3 m/s steady rate (3D 95%)
Velocity accuracy – Surface vehicle: 4.0 m/s steady rate (3D 95%)
Coordinate system: 4 predefined
Storage capacity: 999 waypoints, 15 routes
MTBF: >10,000 hours
Datums: MPE-M datums
Compatibility: IS-GPS-153D
Antenna Internal M-Code: L1/L2

DAGR

The NavGuide GPS receiver is a successor to the company’s Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR). Introduced in 2004, DAGR has concluded production. Note that NavGuide is backwards compatible with its predecessor.

Indeed, the company highlights the new unit is designed for rapid integration into existing DAGR mounts and accessories.

“NavGuide is more than just a replacement for DAGR,” said Luke Bishop, BAE’s director of Navigation and Sensor Systems.

“Built on the same trusted foundation for easy installation and transition, it delivers a more resilient, user-friendly M-Code GPS solution. Now in production, NavGuide gives warfighters the precise positioning data and situational-awareness tools they need to stay effective in modern, contested, multi-domain operations.”

The military GPS product was developed the company’s engineering and manufacturing facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

More on BAE Systems GPS offerings can be found on the company website.

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