Mounted/Dismounted PNT System Initialization and Collaboration

Access to assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) data is critical to maintaining overmatch on the battlefield. The Department of Defense is heavily dependent on the Global Positioning System (GPS) to provide PNT data to warfighters. With the increasing prevalence of navigation and electronic warfare tactics, this dependence on GPS has created an attractive target. The relatively weak signal power received by GPS devices makes them vulnerable to jamming attacks, which can significantly reduce the availability of position, navigation, and timing (PNT) and jeopardize mission success. Navigation systems for both mounted and dismounted platforms that can operate in a GPS challenged or denied environment are currently a topic of significant research. There are a wide range of dismounted solider PNT solutions, but most rely on dead reckoning techniques, based on sensors such as IMU, camera, magnetometers, GPS, and pedometers, that require accurate knowledge of their starting point for good performance. In a GPS denied environment, initialization (through proper calibration and alignment) of the PNT system is critical. Many vehicle systems utilize high sensitivity GPS receivers, specialized antennas such as CRPAs, or high-grade IMUs to provide a robust PNT solution in challenging environments. However, due to size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) constraints, these options are not available for the dismounted soldier. In this effort, Integrated Solutions for Systems, Inc. (IS4S) and teammate Auburn University (AU) will develop a PNT initialization system for dismounted soldiers that leverages high quality mounted PNT systems to help calibrate and initialize the dismount soldier's lower-cost navigation system. A system of systems approach will be used to allow collaboration and data sharing between mounted and dismounted navigation systems.