US Air Force research lab tests GPS-independent AgilePod

18 Aralık 2021

56 Less than a minute

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A T-38C Talon similar to this one crashed May 1 at Sheppard Air Base, Texas. The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance and exceptional safety record. It is used primarily by Air Education and Training Command for undergraduate pilot and pilot instructor training. Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration also use the T-38 in various roles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Steve White)

The US Air Force Research Laboratory’s complementary position, navigation, and timing (PNT) AgilePod prototype achieved three important objectives in flight tests conducted during November 1-10.

The test team successfully executed eight sorties aboard a T-38C aircraft, which included the first test of the PNT AgilePod on a high-dynamic-range platform, the first test of fully-remote interfacing and alt-PNT data transmission, and the first demonstration of overland/overwater transition performance.

Maj. Andrew Cottle, of the Air Force Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation (SDPE) office, said PNT AgilePod is a platform that helps develop advanced navigation technology independent of GPS. This technology provides reliable, resilient position, navigation, and timing navigation signals through alternative means — increasing mission effectiveness in scenarios where access to GPS is not guaranteed.

AgilePods are comprised of a series of compartments and can be configured to meet a wide variety of mission requirements for many aircraft platforms. Experimenters can fill the spaces with plug-and-play sensors they need for a mission – high-definition video, electro-optical and infrared sensors, and devices with other capabilities – including PNT.

Cottle said the November tests moved the PNT AgilePod closer to its final transition objectives. “We learned how the AgilePod could be integrated and operated on a representative high-performance military airframe,” said Cottle.

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