Stealthy RF-based Alternative PNT (STRAP)

GPS performance can be degraded or disabled by radiofrequency (RF) jamming, RF interference, cyberattacks on satellite controls, or attacks on satellites/ground stations. Given these GPS vulnerabilities, military systems must be NAVWAR complianti.e., not reliant on a single source of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data. Possible alternative PNT technologies include E-LORAN; improved inertial navigation (NAV); terrain-following, gravimetric, and geomagnetic systems; vision-based NAV; improved celestial NAV; and systems that exploit RF signals of opportunity. However, no current PNT technology provides jam-resistant localization with accuracy comparable to GPS. To enable accurate NAV in contested environments, Charles River Analytics proposes to develop and demonstrate a prototype for Stealthy RF-based Alternative PNT (STRAP). STRAP has several features. First, the STRAP software intelligently fuses data from multiple sources to generate accurate estimates and ensure adaptable, robust performance under varied environmental and tactical conditions. Second, STRAP uses an innovative, RF-based localization technology that is covert, jam-resistant, GPS-independent, and as accurate as GPS. Third, by fusing inputs from miniaturized IMUs and aiding sensors, STRAP enables accurate navigation even if all other localization inputs fail. Fourth, STRAP hardware will be small, lightweight, and low-power, compatible with military aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and precision guided munitions (PGMs).