Photo: Furuno

Furuno will participate in Jammertest 2024 in Andøya, Norway, from Sept. 9 to 13, 2024. This event is widely recognized as the world’s largest GNSS resilience testing event, providing a unique opportunity for companies to evaluate their GNSS receivers in real-world environments.

Jammertest 2024 will expose participants’ GNSS receivers to jamming and spoofing signals, allowing companies to gather valuable data on their product tolerance levels. The event is organized by several Norwegian institutions, including the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Norwegian Communications Authority and Norwegian Space Agency.

Furuno will be testing its GT-100 timing multi-GNSS receiver module at the event. This module supports dual-frequency band reception in the L1 and L5 bands, making it suitable for critical infrastructure applications such as 5G mobile base stations, TV broadcasting and power grids.

GT-100. (Photo: Furuno)

Key Features of GT-100:

• Automatic mitigation of jamming and spoofing signals.
• Real-time notification of jamming signal frequency and strength.
• Ability to maintain L5 band signal reception if L1 band is lost.

By participating in Jammertest 2024, Furuno aims to evaluate and analyze the GT-100’s resistance to jamming and spoofing in real-world conditions. The company plans to use the results further to enhance the robustness of its GNSS receiver technology, ultimately contributing to more resilient critical infrastructure systems.

<p>The post Furuno to participate in Jammertest 2024 first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Photo: UAVOS

UAVOS has collaborated with a client to conduct extensive testing of UAVOS’ autopilot system, which utilizes computer vision technology. UAVOS’ engineering service supported this testing with its advanced avionics system integrated into its unmanned helicopter.

The UAVOS autopilot system uses computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate the UAV in GNSS-denied environments with precision and reliability.

The system’s onboard computer vision-based alternative navigation module, powered by deep learning algorithms, provides the UAVOS avionics system with accurate geospatial coordinates. This innovative approach allows for seamless navigation in both daylight and nighttime conditions, ensuring safe take-off and landing procedures without relying on external GNSS signals. By enabling the drone to effectively “see” and interpret its surroundings, UAVOS has created a solution that grants UAVs unprecedented autonomy and operational flexibility.

<p>The post UAVOS tests AI navigation in GNSS-denied environments first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Photo: QinetiQ

The UK Ministry of Defence will construct a new anti-jamming test facility at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, England. This facility is designed to safeguard military equipment from threats posed by GPS jamming. A £20 million ($26 million) contract has been awarded to the defense technology firm QinetiQ, which will create one of Europe’s largest anechoic chambers, set to be operational by 2026.

This facility, referred to as a “silent hangar,” will accommodate large military assets such as Protector UAVs, Chinook helicopters and F-35 fighter jets, allowing for comprehensive testing against electronic warfare threats. Maria Eagle, the minister for defense procurement and industry, said that this facility will help eliminate vulnerabilities in military systems, thereby enhancing national security and better protecting armed forces during global deployments.

The hangar will be engineered to minimize radio-frequency wave leakage, ensuring that testing does not interfere with local emergency services and air traffic control. Additionally, according to the UK Ministry of Defence, the project is expected to generate 20 new jobs in the Boscombe Down area and will support broader applications beyond defense, benefiting various sectors of government and industry.

<p>The post UK Ministry of Defence, QinetiQ to build anti-jamming test facility first appeared on GPS World.</p>

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a division within AFWERX, have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) processes. Their efforts focus on accelerating proposal-to-award timelines, expanding opportunities for small businesses and reducing bureaucratic overhead through continuous process improvements.

In 2018, the DAF introduced the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program to broaden its funds’ range of innovations. This initiative has paved the way for companies like TrustPoint to develop innovative capabilities contributing to national defense.

TrustPoint is developing a commercial GPS service using a C-Band low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The system is designed to offer the high performance, security and availability required for autonomous navigation, critical infrastructure and national security.

<p>The post TrustPoint secures SpaceWERX contract for complementary PNT first appeared on GPS World.</p>

SURVEYING & MAPPING

Upgraded RTK Rover
Features MFi certification

The Reach RX Network real-time kinematics (RTK) rover has been upgraded to include new MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad) certification and is fully compatible with ArcGIS, QGIS and other GIS apps for both iOS and Android. Reach RX can be seamlessly integrated into GIS workflows to help industry professionals and teams collect accurate geodata at scale.

The Reach RX offers precise positioning while receiving corrections through NTRIP and tracks GPS/QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou. It gets a fix in less than 5 seconds, delivering centimeter-level accuracy even in challenging conditions.

It can be used for engineering, utility inspection, landscaping and other projects of any scale. According to the company, the rover will soon be compatible with QField, Blue Marble’s Global Mapper, Mergin Maps, Avenza Maps and more.

The Reach RX weighs 250 grams; is IP68-rated, waterproof and dustproof; and withstands temperatures from -20° C to +65° C.Emlid, emlid.com

Photogrammetric Software
Upgraded coordinate system functionalities

3Dsurvey 3.0 is an all-in-one photogrammetric software solution designed to unify lidar sensors, cameras on UAVs and various ground control points. Users can transition between orthophotos, point clouds and textured meshes.

Version 3.0 features upgraded coordinate system functionalities to obtain georeferenced spatial data without local transformations.

It includes improved coordinate system support, which handles transformations requiring special grid files and offers accurate GPS-to-local coordinate conversions. Additionally, the platform can automatically fetch missing geoid models.

The revamped coordinate system selection process includes presets for users to find the correct system by entering their country name, with the appropriate settings applied automatically. It has PRJ file support to enhance compatibility with various GIS standards. 3Dsurvey, 3dsurvey.si

RTK Evaluation Kit
Includes L1+L2 RTK GNSS

This real-time kinematics (RTK) evaluation kit (EVK) serves as a development platform for fixed or mobile high-precision positioning and navigation needs.

The RTK EVK comes with a range of options for prototyping, including L1+L2 RTK GNSS, with L-Band correction built-in if needed, running on an agile processor.

It features custom open-source software pre-loaded with RTK Everywhere firmware. Users can configure the EVK as an RTK base and push corrections to an NTRIP Caster or use corrections delivered through WiFi or Bluetooth.

The integrated u-blox NEO-D9S offers L-Band reception and access to correction services such as PointPerfect. The u-blox LARA-R6001D provides global cellular connectivity, and Zero-Touch RTK offers users a simple way to receive corrections. Users can register the device and enable PointPerfect — no NTRIP credentials are required. Sparkfun Electronics, sparkfun.com

GNSS Receiver
With tilt compensation

The R980 features communication capabilities to support uninterrupted field operations. It can be used for land surveying, transportation infrastructure, construction, energy, oil and gas, utilities and mining projects.

The system features Trimble’s ProPoint GNSS positioning engine and inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based tilt compensation, making it suitable for dense urban environments and under tree canopy, removing the need to level the pole when capturing data points.

It includes a dual-band UHF radio and an integrated worldwide LTE modem for receiving corrections from a local base station or VRS network. It supports the Trimble Internet Base Station Service (IBSS) for streaming RTK corrections using Trimble Access field software and features Trimble IonoGuard technology, which mitigates ionospheric disturbances for RTK GNSS. Trimble Geospatial, geospatial.trimble.com

Nautical Chart Production
Generate charts in PDF/TIF from ENC data

CARIS AutoChart, a nautical chart production solution, is tailored to the needs of nautical chart producers. It can automatically generate charts in PDF/TIF from ENC data. Users can seamlessly import data from ENC files to create comprehensive nautical charts in PDF and/or TIF format. CARIS AutoChart can generate chart templates from existing chart portfolios maintained with CARIS paper chart composer or CARIS HPD paper chart editor.

The software is designed to accommodate the unique needs of chart production facilities of all sizes. It can be used by hydrographic offices, port or waterways authorities.Teledyne Geospatial, teledyneimaging.com

Upgraded GIS Platform
Featuring native database integrations

Felt 3.0 includes new features and native database integrations to improve the capabilities of geographic information systems (GIS). It provides modern GIS tools for teams to visualize, analyze and present important insights and map data relevant to their operations.

Operators can directly connect Postgres/PostGIS and Snowflake databases for automated live data updates. The API allows users to create and style elements and listen to map updates via webhooks, while providing a Python SDK for professionals to continue to work in their preferred tools. Felt, felt.com

UAV

Gimbaled Camera
For UAV missions

The Gimbal 155 is a gimbaled camera designed for the UAV Survey Mission program. The GOS-155 meets UAV requirements for surveillance and rescue missions. Its optimized size, weight and power (SwaP) profile, advanced day and night ISR imaging, and embedded video processor make it ideal for any mid-sized UAV — whether VTOL or winged. With its low weight of 1.8 kg, and 155 mm, UAV platforms can increase endurance without sacrificing optical performance.

The GOS-155 two-axial gimbal is an EO/IR system, comprising a 30x optical zoom HD (1280 x 720) visible camera paired with a fixed focal length uncooled thermal LWIR (1280 x 1024) camera. This allows users to collect intricate visuals across visible and infrared spectrums.

It includes embedded video processing with electronic stabilization and object tracking and can be integrated with external GPS/INS with real-time target location at 20 m across multiple environments, and around 5 m using UAVOS’ Ground Control Station software. UAVOS, uavos.com

Tactical Grade INS
Tailored to unmanned systems

The FN 200C combines multiple functions into a single integrated platform. It features a three-in-one strapdown system compromising motion reference unit (MRU), attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) and inertial navigation system (INS) capabilities for precise positioning, velocity and orientation data in both static and dynamic movements.

It is equipped with fiber optic gyroscopes (FOG) and MEMS accelerometers. The FN 200C’s inertial measurement unit (IMU) offers accurate and reliable navigation data even in challenging conditions. The system supports various correction methods such as SBAS, DGPS, RTK, and PPP for real-time navigation and positioning in a wide range of applications.

The FN 200C utilizes NovAtel OEM7, u-blox ZED-F9P or Septentrio mosaic-H GNSS receivers to provide precise positioning information across multiple GNSS constellations. With embedded anti-jamming and spoofing features, the FN 200C offers reliable operation in environments where signal interference may be present.

The FN 200C is ideal for unmanned systems applications, including land-based surveying, aerial mapping, maritime navigation and more, delivering precise and reliable navigation data to meet the most demanding requirements. According to FIBERPRO, the system’s advanced technology, robust design and comprehensive feature set ensure that it will revolutionize navigation and operation in today’s dynamic and challenging environments. FIBERPRO, fiberpro.com

Upgraded UAV
With a modifiable flight controller

The RDSX Pelican extended-range hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) delivery UAV is now offered with an easily modifiable flight controller, designed for users to more readily integrate customized flight systems and companion software.

The RDSX Pelican combines the reliability and flight stability of a multirotor craft with the extended range of a fixed-wing airframe. Its customizable payload bay can be factory-integrated with the A2Z Drone Delivery RDS2 commercial delivery winch to support a variety of logistics operations.

Engineered to operate within the FAA’s 55-pound max takeoff weight for Part 107 compliance, the Pelican is rated to carry payloads up to 5 kg on operations up to 40 km roundtrip. The flexibility of the Pelican’s cargo bay makes it ideal for logistics missions or deployment with payloads customized for aerial mapping, UAV inspection, forestry services, search and rescue operations, water sample collection, offshore deliveries, mining and more.

With the RDSX Pelican now operating on the Cube flight controller (CUAV X7+), users can integrate their preferred systems — including ground control software, radio beacons and other companion software systems. A2Z Drone Delivery, a2zdronedelivery.com

GNSS Positioning Modules
Compatible with UAVs and robotics

The Linnet ZED-F9P is built around u-blox’s ZED-F9P RTK module. It offers multiband signal reception including GPS L1 and L2 for precise positioning, even in areas with low satellite coverage. In addition to USB-C connectivity, it features UART, SPI and I2C interfaces for easy integration into a variety of UAV and robotics platforms.

Linnet Mosaic X5 RTK-GNSS module is based on Septentrio’s mosaic-X5 module, with multifrequency signal tracking including GPS L5. The module features an onboard CPU that runs a full internal web-based user interface for configuration and monitoring, as well as integrated NTRIP corrections. Other capabilities include built-in anti-jamming and anti-spoofing protection and a spectrum analyzer. Systork, systork.io

MOBILE

“Patch-In-A-Patch” Antenna
Maintains dual-band L1/L5 performance

Inception is a new GNSS L1/L5 ultra-low-profile “patch-in-a-patch” antenna. The HP5354.A offers dual-band stacked patch performance in a single 35 mm x 35 mm x 4 mm form factor. This design integrates the second antenna within the first, eliminating the need for stacking parts and reducing the antenna height by 50%.

The HP5354.A antenna features a passive, dual-feed surface mount design (SMD) to decrease weight and conserve horizontal space. This makes it suitable for GNSS applications requiring high precision and limited space. The antenna improves positioning accuracy from 3 m to 1.5 m while maintaining dual-band L1/L5 performance.

With a passive peak gain of 2.61 dBi, the HP5354.A can be used for GPS L1/L5, BeiDou B1, Galileo E1, and GLONASS G1 operations. Its dual-feed design maintains circular polarization gain even when the antenna is de-tuned or requires in-situ tuning.

It is ideal for applications such as asset tracking, smart agriculture, industrial tracking, commercial UAVs and autonomous vehicles. The HP5354.A uses Taoglas’ custom electro-ceramics formula, ensuring high-quality performance and seamless integration into devices requiring high-precision GNSS.

The Taoglas HC125A hybrid coupler can combine the dual feeds for the L1 patch, offering high RHCP gain and optimal axial ratio for upper constellations including GPS L1, BeiDou B1, Galileo E1 and GLONASS G1. The Taoglas TFM.100B L1/L5 front-end module can be incorporated into the device PCB, aiming to save valuable real estate and up to two years of complex design work, according to the company. Taoglas, taoglas.com

Waterproof GNSS Antenna
Built-in LNA

The external antenna features an adhesive mount and sealed IP67-rated waterproof protection. It is an active GPS/GNSS antenna that includes a built-in low noise amplifier (LNA) for enhanced performance, making it ideal for applications where the receiver is close to the antenna and in environments where signal strength is strong, such as open areas with a clear line of sight.

This type of antenna can amplify weak signals received from satellites by improving signal quality and reducing noise. It requires an external power source to operate the built-in LNA and is less sensitive to signal loss due to longer cable lengths. It is connected to an SMA connector at the end of a 3 m pigtail. The antennas can be used in navigation, location-based services and fleet management applications. Amphenol RF, amphenolrf.com

DEFENSE

AI and Quantum-Powered Navigation System
When GPS signals are compromised

AQNav is designed for navigation across air, land and sea when GPS signals are jammed or unavailable.

AQNav is a geomagnetic navigation system that uses proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, powerful quantum sensors and the Earth’s crustal magnetic field. The system seeks to provide an un-jammable, all-weather, terrain-agnostic, real-time navigation solution in situations where GPS signals are unavailable, denied or spoofed.

The system uses extremely sensitive quantum magnetometers to acquire data from Earth’s crustal magnetic field, which exhibits geographically unique patterns. It uses AI algorithms to compare this data against known magnetic maps, allowing the system to quickly and accurately find its position.

It is available globally, does not rely on visual ground features or satellite transmissions to function and is not affected by weather conditions. AQNav can be integrated into a wide variety of platforms. Its passive technology emits no electronic signals, which reduces the aircraft’s detectability. SandboxAQ, sandboxaq.com

PNT Solution
Operates with or without GNSS signals

TRNAV is a terrestrial navigation solution designed to operate with or without GNSS signals.

It establishes a mesh network of ground stations capable of operating independently from GNSS by using precise pre-established locations or connecting to GNSS when available. TRNAV’s synchronized timing system ensures a minimal drift of 10 ns during a week without GNSS.

The system features a re-synchronization capability that allows the entire network to be updated instantly when just one station reconnects to a GNSS satellite, maintaining high precision across all platforms. Users can integrate mobile stations to enhance network flexibility and range, with the potential to cover distances up to 250 km.

TRNAV also offers a high-bandwidth communication channel for communication capabilities within the established network. The system employs AES-256 encryption and advanced waveform technologies, including DSSS/FHSS for robust and secure operations in challenging environments. TUALCOM, tualcom.com

Software-Defined Radio
Designed for mission-critical systems

Calamine is a four-channel wide tuning range software-defined radio (SDR) that can be integrated into mission-critical systems for the defense, GNSS, communications and test and measurement markets.

The SDR offers a tuning range from near DC to 40 GHz with four independent receiver radio chains, each offering 300 MSPS sampling bandwidth. It is tailored to government, defense and intelligence communities and civil users with direct applications for radar systems, signal intelligence, spectrum monitoring and satellite communications systems. Per Vices, pervices.com

C-UAS Solution
For electronic warfare

The Skyjacker is a multi-domain electronic warfare counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS), suitable against swarms and high-speed threats. It is designed as a response to threats posed by UAVs in the battlespace and at sensitive installations.

Skyjacker alters the trajectory of a UAS by simulating the GNSS signals that guide it toward its target.

Skyjacker is particularly well suited to countering saturation attacks, such as swarming UAVs. The system also can defeat isolated drones piloted remotely by an operator and deliver effects at ranges from 1 km to 10 km (6 mi).

It can be integrated with an array of sensors, such as optronic sights, radars, radiofrequency detectors, lasers, communication jammers and other effectors. Skyjacker can be deployed as a mobile version or interconnected with existing surveillance and fire control systems on land vehicles or naval vessels. Safran Electronics & Defense, safran-group.com

<p>The post Launchpad: GNSS antennas and receivers, UAV upgrades, defense solutions and more first appeared on GPS World.</p>

The New York Times described it as “a stunning example of the global economy’s fragile dependence on certain software, and the cascading effect it can have when things go wrong.”

Regular readers of this magazine, and of this column in particular, will know where I am going with this: like Windows, GPS — and, more broadly, GNSS — presents a single point of failure for many systems. That is, if GPS fails, it will stop those entire systems from working.

Possible challenges and threats to GPS use include space weather; interference/jamming and/or spoofing of receivers; error or failure of satellites, monitoring, or control; and, in the most extreme case, an attack on satellites, monitoring, or control.

The National Space-Based PNT Advisory Board continues to focus its efforts on its excellent PTA strategy: to protect (“prevent or remove conditions that degrade, distort, or deny GPS use”), toughen (“make GPS use more robust against challenges and threats”), and augment (“provision of GPS enhancements as well as provision and use of alternate [PNT] sources that complement, back up, or replace (partly or entirely) use of GPS”) civil uses of GPS. More on that soon.

Meanwhile, others are urging we think of GNSS as only one of several complementary means to achieve the mission of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) with accuracy, availability, integrity, continuity and coverage. For that perspective, see Mitch Narins’ piece. He writes that we should focus “on services that are not space-based, operate in different areas of the spectrum, are capable of higher power, and can be installed and evolved more quickly to mitigate emerging threats.”

The European Space Agency’s recent PNT Vision 2035 paper, written by a panel of independent external PNT experts to advise next year’s ESA Ministerial Conference, summarizes European discussions on PNT in the past several years. In the words of Luis Mayo, the chair of the advisory committee that wrote the report, “there is more to PNT than satellite navigation.” While we must “sustain the existing satellite-based navigation systems,” he argues, we should also promote “the development of alternative independent PNT systems.” Read a short interview with Mayo by Dana Goward, starting on page 19.

Yet other efforts integrate GNSS with different, independent techniques to create new synergies. One example is ESA’s Genesis multi-modal space mission, which aims to improve geodetic applications by collocating on board a single well-calibrated satellite the four space-based geodetic techniques: GNSS, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), satellite laser ranging (SLR) and Doppler Orbitography and Radio-positioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS).

“This first-time collocation in space will establish precise and stable ties among these key techniques,” write the authors of this quarter’s “Innovation” column.

<p>The post First Fix: Global Glitch first appeared on GPS World.</p>

Image: 3DSculptor/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

If not GNSS, then what?

An interesting question.

To some, it means GNSS is so important and unique that without it, all is lost. They enthusiastically support only GNSS-centric research and development, believing that any issues that GNSS has today — such as lack of resilience — can be resolved given enough time and money. It includes pushing for the discontinuance of ground-based systems and the “re-purposing” of their resources to produce more satellites and more space-based signals. It demonstrates an admirable and true dedication to the belief that GNSS is the mission.

To others, these words have a different and darker meaning, warning of a clear and present danger. To them, it means “When (not if) GNSS is not available, what other source(s) of positioning, navigation and timing services (PNT) will be available to support GNSS users’ missions and goals?” For these purpose-driven individuals, GNSS is a means — not the mission, which is to provide the necessary positioning, navigation and/or timing performance, such as accuracy, availability, integrity, continuity and coverage, required to ensure the nation’s safety, security and economic well-being.

Unfortunately, some who have made GNSS their mission strive to convince others that it should be their mission, too!

GNSS is magic — but only when it works. It has played and will continue to play a crucial part in advancing our knowledge and abilities and supporting diverse use cases worldwide. It should and must be supported, but not to the exclusion of everything else. Recently, the magic has failed numerous times all around the world and, as a PNT community of suppliers and users, we must know we are capable of so much more.

We also know that the vast majority of civil PNT service needs are local, not global — based in part on the population density of users and their use cases. Over the years, GNSS’ accuracy and coverage have spoiled us. We even chose to see GNSS interference events as proverbial “black swans.” At the same time, the abandoning of well-engineered, resilient local solutions in favor of a global, one-size-fits-all mentality has been appealing to many. We know this approach is fraught with danger. Throwing away perfectly acceptable, resilient local means rather than enhancing them and bringing their technology into the 21st century may, as a PNT community, be our biggest regret. In many ways we have already gone too far.

I encourage our PNT community to commit to doing more, to open up our minds to design, develop, evolve, create, install, implement and operate more resilient PNT sources and more resilient user systems for which PNT services are critical inputs — especially by focusing on services that are not space-based, operate in different areas of the spectrum, are capable of higher power, and can be installed and evolved more quickly to mitigate emerging new threats. Most importantly, we all need to accept and support the true mission of our PNT community, the “why” that drives our innovative solutions: to ensure PNT services always will be available to support our safety, security and economic well-being.

<p>The post If not GNSS, then what? first appeared on GPS World.</p>

A link to the live event will be sent to you two hours before the event. Your personalized event URL will be automatically generated by the ON24 system. To ensure receipt of the email, please whitelist this email address by adding it to your contacts: do_not_reply@on24event.com.

This presentation will begin at 1 p.m. EDT / 10 a.m. PDT on Thursday, September 12. A recording will also be sent to you the following day so you can watch it on-demand.

Audience members may arrive 15 minutes prior to live time. If you have any questions, please contact event producer Jesse Khalil at jkhalil@northcoastmedia.net.

<p>The post Thank you for registering first appeared on GPS World.</p>