Civilian code

A low cost, high sensitivity C/A "civilian code" GPS module is to be developed for military markets through an arrangement between

and

.

A joint development programme will enable Rockwell Collins to offer its military customers the benefit of high performance GPS without the costs associated with expensive "military code" modules.

The military has traditionally only used P/Y Code, or "military code", GPS because of the greater security offered. However, there are many non-operational scenarios, including training situations, where the enhanced security of P/Y Code is not required. In these circumstances, using less expensive C/A modules that still maintain a high level of performance will result in considerable savings for military customers.

The new module will be based on Rockwell Collins' third generation MPE GPS receiver and QinetiQ's Q20 GPS module which is 1000 times mores sensitive than standard GPS.