Performance of the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR)

Alan C. Huneke and James R. Kottman

Abstract:	The Rockwell Handpack is a handheld, lightweight, portable GPS receiver recently selected by the US DOD as their new standard receiver for portable/moderate- dynamic applications. The Rockwell Handpack, now called the Precision Lightweight GPS receiver or PLGR, has been designed to address the high-performance needs of users operating in land, sea or moderate-dynamic air- borne environments. Full SAGAS capabilities and basic navigation functions are provided in a 72 in3 package weighing 2.7 lb. The PLGR was developed by the Collins Avionics & Communication Division (CACD) of Rockwell Intema- tional as a Non-Development Item (NDI) and submitted for DOD testing in September, 1992. In March 1993, a contract was awarded to CACD for initial delivery of PLGRs at a rate of 1167 per month commencing in Sep- tember 1993. This paper will begin with a brief overview of the devel- opment of the PLGR. Performance characteristics, user interface, and receiver architecture will be discussed. Receiver features include a precise time interface, serial PVT output, HaveQuick and SINCGARS interfaces, built-in vehicle power adapter, and easy user reprogram- mability. Simple interconnection of two receivers allows the transfer of waypoint information between the receivers. Mission planning and download of mission data is accomplished using a standard PC and RS-232 interface. As a part of the development, performance data under a wide variety of dynamics, jamming, and foliage con- ditions was taken with the PLGR performing well in excess of specification requirements. Comparisons of these data with previous DOD portable receivers will demonstrate the ability of technology advancements to enhance not only size, weight, and affordability. but per- formance as well.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 6th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1993) September 22 - 24, 1993 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	1449 - 1457
Cite this article:	Huneke, Alan C., Kottman, James R., "Performance of the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR)," Proceedings of the 6th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1993), Salt Lake City, UT, September 1993, pp. 1449-1457.
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