US Air Force research lab tests GPS-independent AgilePod
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.