Systems > SATNAV > Rockwell Manpack Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver

Rockwell Manpack Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver

Model number: AN/PSN-8

Date manufactured: 1980

Item History: The Manpack was the first man-portable Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. It was developed by Rockwell Collins (then the Collins Government Avionics Division of Rockwell International) as part of the GPS phase 2 preproduction contract and deployed during the GPS phase 3 initial production equipment contract. It is a one-channel set that weighs about 17 lbs. and was designed to be carried on a rucksack frame, backpack style. However, due to its weight, it was most often strapped to a truck or helicopter. Since it was a single channel GPS receiver, it was not able to track multiple GPS satellites simultaneously. To form the GPS position solution, the Manpack sequentially acquired and tracked four GPS satellites. A cryptographic code could be loaded into the set, thereby giving it the capability to provide Precise Positioning Service (PPS). Adaptations of the Manpack were used in early GPS missile integrations including Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missile (CALCM) and Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM).

Additional Photos: Manpack GPS Receiver - side view Manpack GPS Receiver - back view Manpack GPS Receiver on the back of a soldier

Supporting documentation: Product Information Sheet (752000 bytes)

Location/Ownership: Smithsonian Smithsonian National Museum of American History 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Web reference: http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object.cfm?key=35&objkey=220

For More Information, Contact: John Nielson/Rockwell Collins jtnielso@rockwellcollins.com 319-263-1714

Submission authored by: Sheryl Mikkola Rockwell Collins 400 Collins Road NE m/s 120-110 Cedar Rapids, IA 52498 slmikkol@rockwellcollins.com 319-295-2667