Resilient Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) to Support DoD Modernization Needs Focus Area
Abstract
Resilient PNT develops new capabilities for alternative PNT to ensure and enhance situational awareness in contested environments. Projects explore technologies and capability concepts through platforms, command networks, and soldier systems, to extend the range of control and protect front-line warfighters and allies. Resilient PNT leverages technology innovation from small businesses and non-traditional performers. In FY 2023, I&M selected, executed, and transitioned multiple Resilient PNT projects, including: •JUNU: This project developed an innovative electronic-warfare capability to existing ground, air, and maritime platforms mitigating current and future battlespace PNT challenges. In FY 2023, additional U.S. Army platforms were identified as transition partners and multiple operational demonstrations were achieved solidifying future opportunities to fulfill multiple mission needs and operational deficiencies. JUNU transitioned to U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Navy platforms. •Polar Skywave Radar (PSR): This project matured RF hardware and advanced radar processing algorithms to validate that over-the-horizon skywave radar is viable for a future surveillance system in the polar region. PSR focused on ten major tasks to extend skywave radar to the polar region, including deploying high frequency (HF) radar hardware for a scaled model and refining signal processing techniques. In FY 2023, PSR completed additional data collections to assess the seasonal ionospheric conditions and their impact on performance. PSR transitions into the NORAD/NORTHCOM Northern Approaches Surveillance system which includes an over-the-horizon radar network funded by the United States and Canada. •Expeditionary Accurate Tactical (EXACT): This project develops a low-SWaP software defined capability to provide accurate, robust, and reliable PNT information. In FY 2023, EXACT development continued with integration of the software and hardware into a functioning prototype with developmental testing in a controlled laboratory environment. The prototype transitioned to the U.S. Army’s Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition (JPEO A&A) for continued maturation and integration throughout FY 2024 finalizing in a demonstration in an operational environment before subsequent transition to existing planned warfighter capabilities. Additional details are classified. •Advanced Position, Navigation and Timing (APNT): This project accelerated development and matured components of a modular, agile, and reprogrammable APNT capability. The system provides a robust and secure PNT solution in GPS degraded or denied environments. In FY 2023, the system was integrated into a laboratory test architecture and assessed to verify operation in relevant environments prior to transition into a U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Program of Record. •Low-SWaP Anti-Jam Antenna (AJA) for Navigation Systems: This project miniaturizes existing anti-jam (AJ) technology into a dismounted form factor and integrates the unit with current and future dismounted GPS systems. The effort leverages an existing government-owned AJ design applicable for U.S. Army ground assured PNT systems and advances this design while reducing overall cost and SWaP. In FY 2023, the project integrated the antenna algorithm onto an ultra-low power field programmable gate array (FPGA) and adopted an AJ algorithm for simultaneous L1/L2 GPS frequencies. Development of the prototype capability continues in FY 2024 with final transition to the U.S. Army’s C5ISR Center Soldier Integrated Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Science and Technology (S&T) project in support of the Dismounted Assured PNT System (DAPS) program of record. •Modular Autonomous sUAS Swarm Delivery System (MASS-DS): This project provides a versatile set of domestically produced, AI-enabled, low-cost, attritable, small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) capable of being deployed in large numbers from a variety of crewed and un-crewed platforms and survivable in GPS/communications denied environments in order to perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks. In FY 2023, prototypes of two integrated MASS-DS airframes were developed and underwent initial testing to validate the core performance of the low-cost hardware and software in anticipation of technology evaluation at a FY 2024 Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (OUSD) Technology Readiness Exercise (TREX). Development of the prototype capability continues in FY 2024 with final transition to the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) sUAS System Program Office (SPO). •PNT Chain: This project seeks to deliver assured PNT to networked subscribers. The project creates and demonstrates a prototype system-of-systems, consisting of unique hardware executing novel algorithms that delivers assured PNT. In FY 2023, the project successfully created a system-of-systems prototype deployed with novel PNT algorithms. Development of the prototype capability continues in FY 2024 with final transition to multiple Services. •RASCAL: This project developed a novel, exportable system to enable small UAS to navigate to points of interest in denied and degraded environments using alternative means of navigation. Work continues in FY 2024 before transitioning to the US. Army. Additional details are classified.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- ce5f3ec289f3dcfb311cbd85945a45e4