Raytheon hits next-generation GPS milestone

AURORA, Colo., June 28 (UPI) -- Raytheon has achieved another test milestone in its development of the U.S. Air Force's next-generation Global Positioning System Next Generation Operational Control, or GPS OCX, system, the company announced Monday.

The new system offers significant improvements to the GPS on which the military and civilian sectors rely on, offering enhanced availability, accuracy and security, the company said in a statement.

Raytheon recently completed its "Run for Record" test of OCX's Black Wide Area Network, or B-WAN, which offers network connectivity to GPS OCX unclassified external interfaces.

The component-level testing included mission capability and cyber controls and was completed with a 100 percent requirements pass rate, the company said.

The B-WAN will launch as part of the OCX Block 1 and Block 0, with the first B-WAN use coming next year alongside the Block 0 launch and checkout system delivery.

The milestone shows that OCS will function securely with external GPS interfaces, Raytheon said.

OCX's development is delivered in blocks. Block 0 comprises the launch and checkout system to take GPS III satellites into early orbit.

Block 1 builds on Block 0 to deliver full OCX capability, allowing the Air Force to transition from its current GPS ground controls.

Block 2 will be delivered concurrently with Block 1 and includes GPS navigation warfare enhancements.