High Performance GGP For Multiple Dual-Use Applications

Neal Dahlen, Thomas Caylor, and Eric Goldner

Abstract:	Initial testing of a Global Positioning System Guidance Package (GGP) comprised of a fiber optic gyro (FOG)- based IMU with a tightly-coupled GPS receiver demon- strated less than 4 meters navigation error under harsh field conditions. Field testing of two GGPs included van and U.S. Army Fire Support Team Vehicle (FISTV) demonstrations. The GGP equipment weighed one-fifth that of the Army’s current system and outperformed it in all critical comparisons, including ten times the azimuth accuracy. The demonstration systems were 295 cubic inch volume units weighing 14 pounds. Current development is focused upon demonstration of 0.8 nautical mile per hour performance with a 100 cubic inch, 7 pound FOG/silicon accelerometer-based pre-pro- duction GGP. Use of the tightly-coupled embedded GPS/INS design provides high accuracy under high dynamics and a GPS capability for operating in the most severe jamming environments. A modular open architec- ture approach allows for easy adaptability to multiple military and commercial applications. This paper presents the GGP field tests results to date as well as the current system development status. The following field test results are covered: 1. Results of multiple van tests performed in Southern California, including system response to GPS signal blockage, are shown. Comparison with an Ashtech differential GPS (DGPS) system solution gives a precise measure of navigation performance. 2. The FISTV demonstration, conducted in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, compares target acquisition, pointing accuracy and navigation performance obtained from the GGP mounted in a FISTV, to simultaneous data from a second FISTV equipped with the currently used North Seeking Gyroscope and Precise Lightweight GPS Receiver. Again, comparison with an Ashtech DGPS system solution permits a detailed navigation performance analysis.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1996 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 22 - 24, 1996 Loews Santa Monica Hotel Santa Monica, CA
Pages:	63 - 74
Cite this article:	Dahlen, Neal, Caylor, Thomas, Goldner, Eric, "High Performance GGP For Multiple Dual-Use Applications," Proceedings of the 1996 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, Santa Monica, CA, January 1996, pp. 63-74.
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