Collins Aerospace Advances Military Navigation with MAPS Gen II Approval

Collins Aerospace, a division of Raytheon Technologies (RTX), has received authorization to commence full-rate production of the Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Generation II system, commonly known as MAPS Gen II. This milestone follows the fifth delivery order of this advanced navigation solution, signaling a significant enhancement in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps' navigational capabilities.

Key Features of MAPS Gen II

• NavHub™-100 Navigation System: At the core of MAPS Gen II is the NavHub™-100, which generates and distributes assured PNT information to all onboard systems. This integration ensures that military vehicles maintain accurate positioning and timing, even in environments where GPS signals are compromised.

• Multi-Sensor Antenna System (MSAS-100): Complementing the navigation system, the MSAS-100 is a ground-based, anti-jam antenna designed to provide superior immunity in GPS-challenged environments. It incorporates a seven-element Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) and supports both Y-Code and M-Code anti-jamming capabilities.

• Enhanced Signal Protection: MAPS Gen II introduces Military Code (M-Code) capability and utilizes Modernized Signal Tracking (MST) technology. These advancements enhance GPS integrity and offer improved resistance to jamming and spoofing threats, ensuring that warfighters have access to reliable navigation data.

• Modular Open-System Architecture: The system's design allows for scalability and future upgrades. This architecture supports the integration of additional sensors and capabilities, such as external Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), alternative radio frequency inputs, and video feeds, thereby reducing lifecycle costs and enhancing adaptability to evolving threats.

Operational Applications

MAPS Gen II is engineered to support a wide range of mission sets, including:

• Combat Operations: Ensures accurate navigation and timing for crewed and uncrewed ground vehicles in contested environments.
• Artillery Fires: Provides precise positioning data essential for targeting and firing accuracy.
• Air and Missile Defense: Enhances coordination and effectiveness of defense systems by maintaining synchronized operations.
• Ship-to-Shore Movements: Supports amphibious operations by delivering reliable navigation data during transitions between sea and land.
• Contested Logistics: Assists in the secure and efficient movement of supplies and personnel in areas with compromised GPS signals.

Strategic Importance

The approval for full-rate production of MAPS Gen II aligns with the Department of Defense's modernization objectives. By providing warfighters with trusted access to assured PNT, even in GPS-denied or degraded environments, MAPS Gen II enhances operational effectiveness and situational awareness. This advancement underscores Collins Aerospace's commitment to delivering resilient navigation solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern warfare.

In summary, the deployment of MAPS Gen II represents a significant leap forward in military navigation technology, offering robust protection against electronic threats and ensuring mission success across diverse operational scenarios.