Top 5 Resilient PNT Applications for Federal Year End Funds in 2021

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The federal fiscal year end is fast approaching, and 2021 may see an increase in end of year funds due to COVID-related procurement delays. As you explore the best use of year end funds, here are the top Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNTPosition, Navigation, and Timing: PNT and map data combine to create the GPS service.) applications government program managers and systems integrators invest in for improved performance, security and mission success.

1. Network Improvements

With the growing complexity of network requirements, agencies must invest in equipment and solutions to rollout and expand networks that need high precision time synchronization. System performance often requires customization such as a ruggedized chassis, low-phase noise oscillators, or embedded timing with specific inputs/outputs such as IRIG cards. An example of this is a recent military aviation customer that needed an ultra-precise, real time network timing and synchronization solution to maintain accurate system synchronization on a global basis.

2. Modernization

A common application for federal and civilian agencies is the need to replace legacy time servers and network synchronization platforms for improved performance and better security. Timing standards and technologies continue to evolve, and we’ve seen a number of modernization projects this year such as a defense customer replacing a legacy radio frequency distribution system or next gen radar and missile defense systems.

3. Security Enhancements

Jamming and spoofing incidents continue to rise globally, and threats are becoming more sophisticated. The recent Executive Order on PNT demonstrates that this is now a national cybersecurity priority for defense and other federal agencies.

The Resilient PNT Conformance Framework reiterated this commitment. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate, and developed through private/public partnerships, it provides guidance for defining expected behaviors in Resilient PNT equipment.

Threats are increasing in sophistication and frequency and the signal is clear: Interference Detection and Mitigation (IDM) is becoming an increasingly critical proportion of any cybersecurity policy that considers PNT integrity important. Orolia’s defense and government customers are integrating solutions that can directly detect jamming and spoofing, such as horizon blocking antennas and embedded detection software, as well as inline options that can detect and counter navigation warfare (NAVWARNavigational Warfare See also) threats.

4. GNSSGlobal navigation satellite system (GNSS): A general term describing any satellite constellation that provides positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services on a global or regional basis. See also System Assessments

To prepare for field operations, customers are purchasing or upgrading simulation equipment to test GPSGlobal Positioning System is a navigation satellite system. See also/GNSS systems against evolving jamming and spoofing threats. Vulnerability testing has become a high priority, including lab-testing of encrypted military signals such as M-Code and Y-Code. Simulation is a key layer of Resilient PNT because it tests your most critical systems across a variety of scenarios including:

• GPS/GNSS signal and PNT data limitations
• Outages in coverage
• Unintentional interference, environmental factors
• Intentional interference: Jamming and Spoofing

5. Pilot Projects

Many program managers and systems integrators have already identified a program capability that will need to be tested in the next year, such as augmenting PNT in drones and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) aircraft. End-of-year funds can support pilot projects with the purchase of proof-of-concept evaluation kits and equipment. In recent months, customers have increasingly purchased evaluation kits for Orolia’s mobile PNT products, as their programs now require high performance, rugged and small SWaP solutions for position, time and frequency reference systems. Visit our Mobile Mission Systems Solutions for more information.

Resilient PNT products and solutions are an excellent use of federal year end funds to ensure the integrity of GPS-reliant systems and support continuous operations. We’re here to help you choose the best mission timing and synchronization, interference detection and mitigation, and GNSS simulation solutions to advance your PNT projects. Contact us to discuss your requirements or visit our new online store to purchase proven COTS products, such as SecureSync DISA-approved network timing and sync solutions.

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