Collins Aerospace Systems, a division of United Technologies, has received the GPS Directorate (GPS-D) security certification from the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (USAF SMC) for its Military Code (M-Code) Common GPS Module (CGM). The security certification validates compliance to the stringent Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE) hardware and software security design specification.
With the certification, the U.S. Department of Defense can significantly expand MGUE receiver integration and testing locations supporting the operational deployment of M-Code. According to Troy Brunk, Vice President and General Manager, Communication, Navigation and Electronic Warfare Systems for Collins Aerospace, this is a significant milestone, enabling Collins Aerospace to put the next generation of reliable, secure and assured GPS navigation in the hands of our warfighters to help them combat today’s modern threats.
Close to 800 Collins Aerospace M-Code receivers have been provided to weapons, surface and airborne platform integrators for the MGUE program so far. Independent testing confirms the receivers provide best-in-class anti-jamming capabilities within the lowest power solution available. In addition, the ground-based receiver utilizes the smaller Type-II form factor making it ideal for lightweight, dismounted GPS receiver applications.
The security certification achieved serves as the foundation for more than 10 M-Code products that are currently in prototype or full development status for ground, weapons, and airborne mission applications. The same security-certified CGM, re-used on all of these products, will help expedite the integration of M-Code into more platforms in the future. The security certification also allows Collins Aerospace’s CGM-based M-Code receivers to be eligible for export to U.S. allies through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
Collins Aerospace Systems, United Technologies’ newest division, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Created in 2018 by bringing together UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins, the company has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.
