NAVSTAR GPS (Global Positioning System) Applications to Test and Training

This paper summarizes a study on the uses of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System GPS at the National Ranges operated by the United States Army, Navy, and Air Force for weapon system development, test, and training. The primary objectives were to evaluate GPS application areas, identify and analyze technical issues, and recommend cost- and mission effective applications. The study found that GPS technology will have a wide variety of use at the ranges with significant cost advantages and that the technical issues, some of which are quite challenging, do not pose serious obstacles to widespread employment. It will be necessary to design and develop a new family of GPS receiver hardware for range uses since the current generation of receivers does not satisfy the accuracy, data rate and continuity, and size demands of the typical range environment. The study provided the family definitions for GPS range equipment and the basis for a joint-service development program under Air Force direction at Eglin AFB, FL.