Advanced PNT Capability Demonstrations (APCD)
Abstract
Both the Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and the atomic physics communities have done foundational research on new capabilities that will impact the ability to keep and transfer precision timing and navigation information across the battlefield. The Advanced PNT Capability Demonstrations (APCD) program will choose among the most promising of the new physics developments and demo their potential in realistic warfighting scenarios. One scenario will leverage advances in inertial sensors to enable Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)-only operation over mission timeframes of twenty minutes. The MEMS-based demo will enable munitions navigation in a GPS-denied world, maintaining U.S. munition and missile capability to accurately navigate in future battlespace environments. Another scenario is the storing of time and position information with high performance yet compact, low power atomic physics. This will enable advanced Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capabilities for example in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation, or an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) from which the atomic based information can be distributed. Technologies developed under the APCD program are planned for transition to the Services.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 4633d1c17ec56d8e541c78086e419f1f