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Session C8: Military GPS User Equipment and Related Programs 3

Kestrel, the Compact-Precise-Affordable EGI
Francisco A. Pagan Moreno, Nestor Vargas, Jorge L. Cruz Ayala, Jose Ortiz, Honeywell Aerospace
Location: Ballroom B
Date/Time: Tuesday, Jun. 2, 4:25 p.m.

The increasing success of drone missions, and the strategic growth in platforms like collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), is reshaping the warfighters operational scenarios, creating greater opportunities for medium-sized Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in tactical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and target acquisition applications. Group 2, 3 and 4 UAS require high precision and automated flight capabilities, often operating beyond visual line of sight, while still facing size and power limitations due to platform constraints. This leads to a heightened demand for high-precision navigation systems capable of functioning in GPS-denied environments, leading to significant business needs and new development opportunities.
Honeywell is leveraging its expertise in navigation systems to integrate existing, proven technology into a more compact Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation System (EGI) that offers a low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) solution. By combining a Honeywell near-navigation-grade Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with an M-Code GPS receiver, we are developing a smaller navigation device that can deliver effective navigation capabilities in challenged environments. Honeywell is also creating a scalable design to facilitate the integration of additional components, such as a Multi-GNSS receiver, to better support warfighter needs in the near future.
Kestrel is designed to provide a smaller, lighter, and more resilient EGI that consumes less power for contested operations at a lower cost. The enhanced resilience of this system will reduce UAS attrition and enable longer mission distances and durations. We will discuss power and communication interfaces to illustrate how the system will interact with the host platform. Key characteristics will be reviewed to demonstrate advancements in achieving a lower SWaP-C solution while integrating M-Code GPS capabilities, thereby enhancing warfighter operations in Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) scenarios for small platforms. The Kestrel EGI will be able to perform gyrocompass alignment improving platform heading orientation. Additionally, Honeywell will share early results from ongoing integration and test activities to showcase product capabilities and development progress. The Kestrel EGI will transform the navigation capabilities of Group 2, 3 and 4 UAS, enabling more precise and resilient missions in the evolving landscape of military operations.

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