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  • Controlling Power & Pseudorange Offsets of a Repeater Threat

    This paper outlines how to turn on/off spoofers and repeaters, adjust their power, and set a pseudorange offset. An example scenario will show the manual process by configuring the Skydel instances and the automated process by utilizing Skydel’s Python API. Home • PNT Library • Controlling Power & Pseudorange Offsets of a Repeater Threat Controlling Power & Pseudorange Offsets of a Repeater Threat DOWNLOAD PDF By Jaemin Powell DOWNLOAD PDF

  • BroadSim's Real-Time Terrain Effects

    Establishing realistic terrain effects within a NAVWAR simulator is becoming a highly sought-after feature when testing PNT systems for the warfighter. The BroadSim Product Family now provides a real-time Terrain Plug-In solution... Home • PNT Library • BroadSim's Real-Time Terrain Effects BroadSim's Real-Time Terrain Effects DOWNLOAD PDF By Jaemin Powell Intro Establishing realistic terrain effects within a Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) simulator is becoming a highly sought-after feature when testing Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems for the warfighter. The BroadSim Product Family now provides a real-time Terrain Plug-In solution to create scenarios with terrain attenuated threat signals, i.e., jammers, spoofers, or repeaters. Simply just add the Terrain Plug-In to your threat infested scenario and you will immediately have real-time terrain effects throughout your simulation. At a 50 Hz update rate, the user-interface of the Terrain Plug-In displays: A terrain profile of the vehicle and the threat (selected from the dropdown menu), the position of the threat and UUT on a map, and the attenuation for each signal. Conclusion The Terrain Plug-In allows the user to easily replicate similar situations from real-world events or field tests, such as NAVFEST or PNTAX, without needing to know terms like knife-edge diffraction or smooth earth diffraction. Replicating real-world situations and field tests in the simulation environment saves time, money, and resources by allowing developers and users to test PNT systems at any time of the year. This capability was designed so that manufacturers and end-users can better develop and test cutting edge PNT solutions to protect and enable the warfighter. Don’t let the capabilities of your simulator hold you back from testing your PNT system requirements! For more information on the Terrain Plug-In or any other BroadSim Product Family capabilities, please contact Safran Federal Systems . DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Simulation Against Jamming and Spoofing

    Prepare for tomorrow. Find vulnerabilities today. Dive into the world of GPS interferences, how threats have evolved, and how engineers are using methods such as simulation to innovate and mitigate. Home • PNT Library • Simulation Against Jamming and Spoofing Simulation Against Jamming and Spoofing DOWNLOAD PDF By Tim Erbes DOWNLOAD PDF

  • A-PNT Technical Support Packages | Safran Federal Systems

    Committed to delivering exceptional customer support, we offer distinct packages designed to perfectly meet your needs. Discover the best fit for you! Home • Support • Technical Support Packages A-PNT Technical Support Packages Regardless of the plan you choose, our commitment stays the same: we’re here to help, every step of the way. Support That Scales With Your Needs Every customer receives our Standard Support Package with the purchase of our A-PNT solutions—SecureSync,VersaSync &VersaPNT— because reliability, responsiveness, and peace of mind should never be compromised. We're here to help minimize downtime and keep your systems running smoothly. When your request demands even faster turnaround or additional support, we offer two other support tiers—Premium and Enhanced Support —designed to deliver quicker response times, priority repair service, and on-site support. Take a look at our support packages and discover the best fit for you! Rapid Response, Zero Disruption Each product undergoes a rigorous multi-point quality check to ensure it arrives ready for immediate user-right out of the box. However, we know even the most resilient systems can face disruption, or you may simply prefer a more hands-on experience to get started faster. That's why we offer additional support packages such as Premium and Enhanced Support , that give you access to faster response times, quick-turn-on-site support and troubleshooting visits. Choose the level of support that fits your needs and we'll be there to deliver! Downtime Eliminated We move quickly to keep your team focused and your operation uninterrupted. If a repair is needed, we'll provide a loaner unit upon request so you can stay productive while we handle the fix. Priority Service Our team is committed to providing prompt callbacks and rapid on-site support when needed. We value every request and ensure you receive the attention and service you deserve without delay. On-site Support Whether you need installation, integration, training, or quick-turn service visit, our team is prepared to be there, to keep your systems running smoothly and your team focused. We've Got Your Back at Every Tier Included in Purchase Standard Our Standard Support package ensures assistance when you need it most. It includes technical assistance during business hours, troubleshooting and guidance to keep your systems running smoothly. Technical assistance from 9 AM - 5 PM EST, Monday - Friday , excluding holidays Guidance & troubleshooting from: Level 1 Customer Support Engineers Level 2 Application Engineers Logged, stored, and categorized issues for efficient resolutions First-in First-out service Contacted within next business day 100% U.S. staff members Loaner unit available upon request Priority repair service Quick-turn on-site support Guaranteed callback within 2 business hours Yearly onsite visit (continental U.S.) Onsite installation, integration, and training ( continental U.S.) after delivery Expedited advanced replacement Guaranteed repair timeline Most Popular Premium Premium Support offers faster response times, priority repair service, quick-turn on-site support, plus access to a yearly on-site visit for proactive system checks. Ideal for teams that need more flexibility and quicker resolution. Technical assistance from 9 AM - 5 PM EST, Monday - Friday , excluding holidays Guidance & troubleshooting from: Level 1 Customer Support Engineers Level 2 Application Engineers Logged, stored, and categorized issues for efficient resolutions First-in First-out service Contacted within next business day 100% U.S. staff members Loaner unit available upon request Priority repair service Quick-turn on-site support Guaranteed callback within 2 business hours Yearly onsite visit (continental U.S.) Onsite installation, integration, and training ( continental U.S.) after delivery Expedited advanced replacement Guaranteed repair timeline Mission-Critical Ready Enhanced Enhanced Support delivers our highest level of service. Including all in Premium support, plus on-site installation, integration, and training, expedited replacement, and guaranteed repair timeline. Perfect for mission critical operations that demand hands-on, proactive support. Technical assistance from 9 AM - 5 PM EST, Monday - Friday , excluding holidays Guidance & troubleshooting from: Level 1 Customer Support Engineers Level 2 Application Engineers Logged, stored, and categorized issues for efficient resolutions First-in First-out service Contacted within next business day 100% U.S. staff members Loaner unit available upon request Priority repair service Quick-turn on-site support Guaranteed callback within 2 business hours Yearly onsite visit (continental U.S.) Onsite installation, integration, and training ( continental U.S.) after delivery Expedited advanced replacement Guaranteed repair timeline Please note, these Technical Support Packages do not cover ancillary parts like antennas, cables, surge arresters, etc. A-PNT Support Packages: What's Covered SecureSync Products SecureSync® M-Code SecureSync® M-Code is an advanced mission timing and synchronization solution that offers exceptional reliability, security and flexibility to support Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT). It combines Safran's precision time and frequency technology with an ultra-secure M-code GPS receiver. VIEW PRODUCT SecureSync® 2400 The SecureSync product ecosystem offers a number of solutions to address GNSS threats. With a layered-defense approach, each protective layer increases the sophistication required to compromise, minimizing chances for successful attack. VIEW PRODUCT Versa Products VersaSync VersaSync is a high-performance GPS master clock and network time server that delivers accurate, software-configurable time and frequency signals in harsh environments, including GPS-denied areas. Now with M-Code, VersaSync easily integrates into your systems architecture. Standard and M-code enabled version of VersaSync are covered. VIEW PRODUCT VersaPNT VersaPNT is the first all-in-one Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solution that harnesses the power of our FlexFusion™ engine with M-Code to deliver accurate, software-configurable position, navigation, altitude, time, and frequency signals under any circumstances. Standard and M-code enabled version of VersaPNT are covered. VIEW PRODUCT Support Coverage & Services FAQ What support is included with my purchase? Every customer who purchases A-PNT products receives our Standard Support Package, which includes: • Technical support from 9 AM-5 PM EST, Monday-Friday, excluding holidays • Guidance and troubleshooting from Level 1 Customer Support Engineers and Level 2 Application Engineers • Logged & stored issues • First-in first-out service • Commitment to contact by the next business day • and 100% U.S. personnel. It's built to keep your APNT systems running reliably from day one. However, we do offer additional support packages that help eliminate downtime, gain priority access, and provide on-site support. What are the premium support options? We offer two additional premium tiers—Premium and Enhanced Support. These packages provide faster response times, priority repair service, and on-site services. You can refer to the table above to choose which best fits your needs or contact our sales team for more details at sales@safranFS.com. (sales@safranFS.com.) How quickly can I expect help when I reach out? No matter the tier, our team is ready to support you! With Standard Support, we commit to contacting you by the next business day. However, it is based on a first-in, first-out service. Premium and Enhanced Support offer accelerated response times and priority service. What’s the difference between Premium and Enhanced Support? Premium Support: Faster response times, priority repair service, quick-turn on-site support, and a yearly on-site visit for proactive system checks. Ideal for teams that need more flexibility and quicker resolution. Enhanced Support: Our highest level of service, including everything in Premium Support, plus on-site installation, integration, and training within the U.S., expedited replacement, and guaranteed repair timeline. Perfect for hands-on, proactive support. Our team is prepared to keep your systems running smoothly and your team focused. Do the Technical Support Packages have any limitations? Please note: Technical Support Packages do not include coverage for ancillary parts such as antennas, cables, surge arresters, and similar accessories. These items fall outside the scope of our support plans and may require separate service or replacement. Are support packages available to both new and existing customers? Yes—our Technical Support Packages are available whether you're just getting started or have been with us for years. New customers can add support during onboarding, and existing customers can upgrade their plan at any point within the warranty period and enjoy the benefits for the remainder of the warranty period. If you're still exploring options, you can indicate your interest in Technical Support Packages for A-PNT products by selecting the checkbox when filling out our form. Can I upgrade my support package later? Absolutely! You can upgrade to Priority and Enhanced Support at any point within the warranty period for the remainder of the warranty period. The extent of the Technical Support Package (TSP) is dependent on the product's warranty period. For more details, reach out to your dedicated salesperson if you are an existing customer or at sales@safranFS.com.(sales@safranFS.com) Do all support packages include on-site support? No. On-site support is available for Premium and Enhanced Support. While Premium and Enhanced offer yearly on-site visits (continental U.S.), Enhanced Support includes on-site installation, integration, and training as well as expedited advanced replacement and a guaranteed repair timeline. Is training included in my support package? Training is included with the Enhanced Support package. This package provides an on-site visit after delivery that covers installation, integration, and training to ensure a smooth setup and onboarding experience. Looking for more details? Ask one of our experts. We'll respond within one business day. EMAIL US

  • Land Vehicle Navigation in GNSS-Denied Environments for Defense Applications

    An Inertial Navigation System (INS) that provides reliable position and heading data is a unique backup solution because it allows vehicles to stay on course and maintain awareness of where they are without a GPS connection Home • PNT Library • Land Vehicle Navigation in GNSS-Denied Environments for Defense Applications Land Vehicle Navigation in GNSS-Denied Environments for Defense Applications DOWNLOAD PDF By Anthony Full Problem We Solve In order to safely travel from one location to another during an operation, or maintain navigation capabilities in a contested environment, ground vehicle crews need ways to protect against GPS satellite signal threats and ensure that they reach their intended destination. Operating in a GNSS-denied environment presents challenges to most navigation systems, because they can either be jammed, or deceptively guided off course via spoofing attacks. An Inertial Navigation System (INS) that provides reliable position and heading data without the aid of GPS satellite signals is a unique backup solution because it allows vehicles to stay on course and maintain awareness of where they are as if they never lost connection with GPS. An INS can provide the critical current-location data and ensure that other navigation equipment continues to operate during the mission. Why Is It Important Precise location and navigation capabilities are essential for mission planning, execution and coordination with other units. Inaccurate navigation can lead to mission failure, unintended engagements, or even friendly fire incidents. Ground vehicles in defense operations often navigate in challenging environments where traditional GPS signals are contested or unreliable. This includes dense urban areas, heavily forested regions, or any areas where enemies employ electronic warfare to disrupt GPS signals. Navigating accurately in such conditions is crucial for mission success and the safety of personnel. Therefore, having a robust navigation system that can provide both location of the vehicle real time as well as its precise orientation and direction/heading is of paramount importance for defense applications. In the figure above, we can see that when a vehicle passes through an GNSS-denied area, its navigation system might be thrown off and report a different location compared to the true position. However, with an accurate INS, it can continue along the intended route as well as stay free from excessive drift. Drift occurs when the navigation system is not using external signals for navigation, but rather evolving in pure inertial conditions and over time, the accuracy worsens. Of course, there are different grades of accuracy for navigation depending on your needs. And we’ll cover the most relevant solutions next. How We Solve it Safran has developed a dependable inertial navigation system – The Geonyx – that provides route guidance in GNSS-denied environments. The Geonyx ensures that the vehicle can navigate effectively in spite of satellite signal interference. It incorporates HRG technology and, unlike GPS, INS does not rely on external satellite signals for navigation and heading. Instead, it uses motion sensors and rotation sensors to calculate the position, orientation and velocity of the vehicle based on internal data. The Geonyx will output coordinates of the vehicles current location as well as the data on its intended position to the vehicle’s battle management system (BMS). The Geonyx is able to maintain an outstanding level of accuracy of a couple meters after tens of miles of pure inertial navigation. GEONYX INERTIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM Geonyx is a combat-proven INS solution for ground vehicles, augmenting battle management systems. With its ruggedized design, it offers a virtually unlimited and maintenance-free lifespan. It can achieve a heading accuracy as good as 0.5 mils thanks to HRG Crystal technology. It has quick and flexible alignment – even in GNSS-denied environments. DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Skydel Wavefront Calibration Tech Brief

    Skydel has eliminated calibration inefficiencies by autonomously time, phase and power aligning the signals for you. Now you can focus on the more important tasks of testing, verifying, and validating your CRPA navigation system’s performance without calibration concerns. Home • PNT Library • Skydel Wavefront Calibration Tech Brief Skydel Wavefront Calibration Tech Brief DOWNLOAD PDF By Jaemin Powell DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Doppler Effects on Spaceborne PNT Applications

    More space missions are taking place in Lower Earth Orbit (LEO). Newer, more advanced receivers are needed to have sufficient PNT capabilities. Doppler shifts experienced on these missions will be high, however, robust testing to ensure mission success is achievable... Home • PNT Library • Doppler Effects on Spaceborne PNT Applications Doppler Effects on Spaceborne PNT Applications DOWNLOAD PDF By Joshua Prentice Since the very first space missions positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) have been crucial for spaceborne applications. Traditionally, space vehicle PNT has been achieved through various combinations of ground stations, optical navigation, onboard high-precision clocks, inertial measurement units, and other methods. Only recently, however, has existing global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) been added to that list. GNSS constellations were designed to provide PNT for Earth-borne applications taking place on the ground, sea, or in the atmosphere. As such, those GNSS waveforms are primarily aimed toward the Earth, but there is a small amount of spill-over of the main lobe beyond the silhouette of Earth and into space. Additionally, the side lobes of most GNSS waveforms are also broadcast into space beyond Earth. Because these signals are visible from orbit, they can conceivably be used for the PNT of space vehicles. In terms of spaceborne navigation from GNSS constellations, there are generally two main orbital regions of concern. Altitudes between Earth and the GNSS altitude, known as being under the “canopy”, and altitudes above the GNSS canopy as shown below in Figure 1. Figure 1: Below and Above the GNSS Canopy When orbiting the Earth underneath the GNSS canopy the receiver antenna must point “skyward” towards the GNSS constellations. This scenario is more closely related to traditional GNSS navigation, although satellites will rise and set more frequently. The full spectrum of these signals is available with the advantage of stronger signal strength compared to surface and low-atmospheric operations. In scenarios where the receiver vehicle is orbiting above the GNSS canopy, navigating based on GNSS constellations becomes much more difficult as the only available portions of the waveform are the main lobe spill-over and the side lobes. For simplification and to limit the scope of this tech brief, the primary area of concern will be space vehicles in geocentric orbits beneath the GNSS canopy. When navigating from GNSS signals Doppler shift is always present no matter how close to the GNSS canopy the receiver is. However, when the navigating receiver is traveling at velocities necessary to maintain a stable orbit, the Doppler shift is much greater. Figure 2: Doppler shift diagram The Doppler shift change in frequency can be expressed as (Parker, 2017): In equation (1) 𝑓₀ is the source carrier frequency, Δ𝑣 is the relative velocity of the space vehicles, and 𝑐₀ is the speed of light. This equation does not account for ionospheric and tropospheric effects encountered when GNSS signals pass through the Earth’s atmosphere. When considering equation (1) for multiple scenarios and orbital altitudes, the speed of light is a constant, and depending on the GNSS constellation being used so is the source carrier frequency. Thus, the biggest factor affecting Doppler shift is the relative velocity of the space vehicles. Because the satellites that make up GNSS constellations are held to very strict orbits with known orbital velocities and those orbits are maintained throughout the lifetime of the constellation, the determining factor of the relative velocity for any given mission is the orbital velocity of the receiver vehicle. It follows that the goal in computing a theoretical maximum Doppler shift a spaceborne receiver may encounter is to maximize the relative velocity between the receiver vehicle and the GNSS vehicle. A scenario that would accomplish this would be a receiver vehicle in very low earth orbit (VLEO) tracking GNSS signals. Spaceborne missions taking place in LEO are a unique case of GNSS PNT due to the high relative velocity compared to the GNSS constellation vehicles while still being beneath the GNSS canopy. The dynamics of such a scenario are some of the highest that a receiver may experience during typical PNT operations. As such, the Doppler search space of receivers deployed in LEO must be much wider than needed for ground, sea, and airborne missions. One example of a very low earth orbit mission (VLEO) is the Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE). The GOCE mission required extremely precise orbit determination to carry out its scientific objective of mapping Earth’s gravity field to an accuracy of 1-2 cm. The GOCE space vehicle maintained an average orbital altitude of 255 km, placing the average orbital velocity around 8 ᵏᵐ⁄ₛ (European Space Agency, 2022). The GOCE mission tracked GPS signals to assist in orbit determination. GPS satellites orbit at an altitude of 20,200 km with an average orbital velocity of roughly 4 ᵏᵐ⁄ₛ (US Space Force, 2022). Figure 3: GOCE Missions in VLEO have much shorter durations than other spaceborne missions due to the need for constant orbital maintenance maneuvers to counteract the atmospheric drag, and as such, it can be considered the lower limit of possible orbital altitudes. To estimate a maximum possible Doppler shift the worst possible case scenario would be the receiver satellite travelling in exactly the opposite direction (±180°) of the GNSS vehicle. While this is generally a very rare situation some space vehicles do travel in non-standard orbits, so it is possible. Thus, the relative velocity of the space vehicles can be expressed as: Where: So that: Note that all velocities are expressed as linear for simplification. With an established relative velocity, the maximum estimated Doppler shift can be calculated using the following values: Calculating the Doppler shift using the equation (1) results in: With a worst-case-scenario Doppler shift of 63 kHz, it is imperative to ensure the receiver being placed into orbit can perform under such conditions. Skydel Simulation Engine of the BroadSim product line is capable of simulating spaceborne scenarios, even under conditions where Doppler shift is maximized. One of the default vehicle profiles within Skydel is an Earth-orbiting spacecraft with highly customizable Keplerian elements to define the exact orbit thereceiver vehicle will experience. Should the default spacecraft profile not provide enough customization, Skydel can also be interfaced through hardware in the loop (HIL) where exact positions are pushed to the simulator to simulate the specific trajectory of a receiver vehicle. Unlike some simulators where the Doppler shift will have to be either predetermined or manually added to the scenario, Skydel handles Doppler, ionospheric, and tropospheric effects automatically based on the scenario without requiring user input. Figure 4: Skydel Screenshot LEO and VLEO missions are becoming more and more popular especially in the fields of PNT, from both from a provider and user standpoint. To make sure those missions will have sufficient PNT capabilities advanced receivers will need to be used and new receivers will be developed to fill specific roles and advance current capabilities. While the Doppler shifts experienced by receivers on these missions will be high, robust testing to ensure mission success is capable using BroadSim simulation products powered by Skydel. Commonly Asked Questions About Doppler Effects Why are GNSS signals now being used for space navigation? Historically, space vehicles relied on methods like ground stations, inertial sensors, and onboard clocks for navigation. GNSS was originally designed for Earth-based applications, but signal spillover (main lobe and side lobes) into space now allows satellites to use GNSS for autonomous navigation. Why is this topic important? Reliable, autonomous PNT in space is critical for military satellites, ISR platforms, and scientific missions, especially when access to ground-based navigation aids is unavailable or denied. What causes Doppler shift in spaceborne GNSS reception? The Doppler shift arises from the relative velocity between the receiver spacecraft and the GNSS satellite. The faster the receiver moves in orbit, the more pronounced the frequency shift in received GNSS signals. References European Space Agency. (2022). GOCE Facts and Figures. Retrieved from https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/GOCE/Facts_and_figures Parker, M. (2017). Digital Signal Processing 101. Elsevier Inc. US Space Force. (2022). GPS: The Global Positioning System. Retrieved from https://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/space/#orbits DOWNLOAD PDF

  • 2019 GPS Week Rollover: Assurance Made Easy

    As an engineer testing navigation systems, it is critical to be be hardware-prepared, able to conduct post-event analysis with ease, and to understand and interpret your data with clarity and confidence. Home • PNT Library • 2019 GPS Week Rollover: Assurance Made Easy 2019 GPS Week Rollover: Assurance Made Easy DOWNLOAD PDF By Safran Federal Systems DOWNLOAD PDF

  • BroadSim Flex Power Application Note

    Did you know that all BroadSim users can easily and automatically adjust the signal power of any code type for the satellites in your scenario? This free Flex Power feature can come in handy when creating scenarios for your unit under test. Home • PNT Library • BroadSim Flex Power Application Note BroadSim Flex Power Application Note DOWNLOAD PDF By Jaemin Powell BroadSim has the capabilities! Did you know that all BroadSim users can easily and automatically adjust the signal power of any code type for the satellites in your scenario? This free Flex Power feature can come in handy when creating scenarios for your unit under test. For example, if you want to increase the P-code signal power by 6 dB and decrease the M-Code signal power by 43.5 dB in all GPS Satellites, simply go to the Signal Level tab in the Skydel user-interface then adjust the GPS L1 P and the GPS L1 M signal powers appropriately (see Figure 1 ). OR you can automate this process using our Python API framework with the help of our quick-start automation feature. Figure 1: P Code Signal Power Adjustment Did I mention that no update is needed? Because our simulators share the same Skydel Simulation Engine, the Flex Power feature is available on all BroadSim systems (i.e., BroadSim, BroadSim Solo, BroadSim Wavefront, BroadSim Anechoic). The best part about being in the BroadSim Product Family is that these scenarios can easily transfer to any of our BroadSims! Don’t let the capabilities of your simulator hold you back from testing your applications requirements. For more information on the Flex Power feature and other BroadSim Product Family capabilities, please contact Safran Federal Systems . DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Defense PNT in Challenged Environments

    Reliance of GPS in modern land-warfare systems, potential effects of GPS disruption on their operation and considerations for protecting their ability to continue operating in a GPS-disrupted environment. Home • PNT Library • Defense PNT in Challenged Environments Defense PNT in Challenged Environments DOWNLOAD PDF By Tim Erbes DOWNLOAD PDF

  • An Engineer’s Guide to CRPA Testing

    This guide discusses applications and use cases for CRPAs, and methods for testing them. It explores various test solutions available today, and helps you choose the right solution for your specific application. Home • PNT Library • An Engineer’s Guide to CRPA Testing An Engineer’s Guide to CRPA Testing DOWNLOAD PDF By Tim Erbes Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of GPS navigation and positioning, Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas (CRPAs) are revolutionizing defense and critical infrastructure. These advanced systems are crucial for protecting against jamming and spoofing threats, which can disrupt operations in high-stakes environments. We are providing a comprehensive overview of CRPA testing methods, technologies, and best practices based on the insights from Safran Federal Systems' white paper, Engineer’s Guide to CRPA Testing. For the full white paper and in-depth analysis, download the PDF . Who Should Read This White Paper? • GNSS/RF Test Engineers • GNSS/RF Systems Engineers • PNT Engineers • Navigation Engineers • NAVWAR Engineers • Signal Processing Engineers • Avionics Engineers • Program Managers What Are CRPAs, and Why Are They Important? CRPAs, or Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas, are multi-element antenna systems designed to reduce RF interference. By forming nulls in the direction of jammers or spoofers, CRPAs ensure that GPS receivers only process true satellite signals. These antennas are increasingly common in the defense sector, where robust anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities are essential. Key benefits of CRPAs include: • Dynamic Threat Adaptation : Nullifies interference in real-time. • Enhanced Navigation Security: Maintains signal integrity under adverse conditions. • Wide Application: Used in UAVs, ground vehicles, and naval systems. Why Is CRPA Testing Critical? Rigorous testing ensures that CRPAs perform reliably in real-world scenarios. Without proper validation, these systems may fail to counteract advanced jamming and spoofing threats. Testing not only validates the design but also identifies performance limits and areas for improvement. CRPA Testing Methods 1. Record Replay Testing This cost-effective method uses recorded GPS data for simulations. While realistic, it lacks flexibility since recorded data cannot be modified. 2. GNSS Simulation GNSS simulators, like Safran’s Skydel-powered systems, allow for fast iteration speeds and high flexibility. These simulators support: • Threat simulations (jammers and spoofers). • Encrypted signals for classified defense systems. • Scalable architecture for multi-element testing. 3. Anechoic Chamber Testing An anechoic chamber provides a controlled environment for over-the-air (OTA) testing of CRPAs. It evaluates both antennas and electronics, ensuring comprehensive system performance validation. However, it requires significant upfront investment and setup. 4. Field Testing Field testing replicates real-world conditions by introducing actual threats. While effective, this method is costly and limited by environmental variables and regulations. Wavefront Simulation: A Game-Changer for CRPA Testing What is Wavefront Simulation? Wavefront simulation uses software-defined radios to simulate GNSS signals and threats, delivering unmatched precision and scalability. Key features include: • Phase Alignment: Ensures accurate signal timing across antenna elements. • Real-Time Jamming and Spoofing: Simulates hundreds of threats simultaneously. • Scalability: Supports up to 16 antenna elements and thousands of signals. • Automation: Enables quick setup and repeatable tests with minimal manual intervention. Advantages Over Traditional Methods Wavefront systems are lab-ready and do not require complex installations like anechoic chambers. They allow for dynamic simulations, enabling engineers to test under extreme conditions without leaving the lab. Key Features of a Robust CRPA Testing System When selecting a testing system, look for the following: • Built-In Jamming and Spoofing: Essential for simulating real-world threats. • Encrypted Signal Support: Critical for classified defense applications. • Scalability: The system should adapt to future needs, including additional elements or signals. • Automation: Streamlined calibration and testing workflows to save time. • Cost Efficiency: Long-term savings through software-defined, upgradeable systems. Common Questions About CRPA Testing How do CRPAs counter jamming and spoofing? CRPAs dynamically nullify interference using null steering and beamforming techniques, isolating true satellite signals while ignoring others. What’s the best way to test CRPAs? The ideal approach combines methods. GNSS simulation offers flexibility and speed, while anechoic chambers provide comprehensive OTA testing for full systems. How scalable are modern CRPA testing systems? Safran’s wavefront systems are highly scalable, supporting additional elements, signals, and future updates with minimal hardware changes. Is it possible to convert scenarios from my legacy platform? Short answer—Yes! Switching systems can be overwhelming—we feel you. Let us handle the heavy lifting: we make it easy to migrate your scenarios so you can transition seamlessly—without starting from scratch. Conclusion Testing CRPAs is no longer an optional step—it’s a critical process to ensure navigation security in high-threat environments. Safran Federal Systems’ innovative solutions, including wavefront simulation and Skydel technology, provide defense professionals with the tools needed to validate performance, identify vulnerabilities, and prepare for evolving threats. DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Equipment Pointing & Radar Directional Capabilities For Defense Applications

    Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) that provide true north-finding capabilities is an extremely helpful and flexible alternative because it allows vehicles to have high accuracy orientation capabilities for their mounted weapons or radar payloads. Home • PNT Library • Equipment Pointing & Radar Directional Capabilities For Defense Applications Equipment Pointing & Radar Directional Capabilities For Defense Applications DOWNLOAD PDF By Anthony Full Problem We Solve In order to properly orient a vehicle-mounted weapon, or any radar system that relies on global navigation satellite signals, vehicle crews need accurate heading data to point their equipment. Operators may start with estimating trajectory paths, but it is hard to know exactly where their equipment is pointing because any slight change in angle causes a massive change in impact location or radar direction. Operating in a GNSS-denied environment also presents challenges, and it would be time consuming and potentially dangerous to wait for clean signal reception. Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) that provide true north-finding capabilities is an extremely helpful and flexible alternative because it allows vehicles to have high accuracy orientation capabilities for their mounted weapons or radar payloads. They can minutely adjust their angles or rotation without the aid of GPS, and without being susceptible to vibrations and shocks. Why Is It Important Having precise orientation capabilities is critical in ensuring weapons effectively designate their targets. Likewise, having accurate orientation in radar systems is essential in the process of geographically locating objects. The act of orienting a vehicle weapon or radar is not trivial: accurate shooting requires complex calculations from numerous factors including determining level ground, finding the north pole, measuring wind speed and direction, and elevation of the target. Highly accurate equipment pointing can mean the difference between mission failure and success. Therefore, having a robust navigation system that can provide heading data in real time is of paramount importance for defense applications. Given that the National Intelligence Council has identified an increasing trend in jamming and spoofing attacks, the need for navigation systems to be able to operate independent of GPS signals is also becoming important. Inertial navigation systems need to be able to operate in both normal conditions as well as GPS-denied environments. Of course, there are different grades of accuracy for equipment pointing depending on your needs. And we’ll cover the most relevant solutions next. How We Solve it When it comes to navigation systems that can provide heading data in real time Safran has field-proven solutions for diverse defense applications. The Geonyx product incorporates HRG technology, unlike GPS, INS does not rely on external signals for navigation and heading. Instead, it uses motion sensors and rotation sensors to calculate the position, orientation and velocity of the vehicle based on internal data. The Geonyx will output pitch, roll, and heading data to the vehicles weapon system or to the vehicles radar system via ethernet. GEONYX INERTIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM Geonyx is an INS solution for ground vehicles and artillery pointing systems, offering a virtually unlimited and maintenance-free lifespan. It can achieve a pointing accuracy of <0.5 mils thanks to HRG Crystal technology. It has quick and flexible alignment – even in GNSS-denied environments. DOWNLOAD PDF

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