The GPS Test Facility
The Global Positioning System (GPS) Test Facility can perform a variety of specialized testing, utilizing EPG’s live outdoor test ranges, the GPS Instrumentation Suite (GPSIS), the GPS Dynamic Array Test Facility, and specialized data collection, reduction and analysis tools. The GPSIS consists of three GPS simulators that provide full control of the signal structure to replicate the live GPS constellation, allowing repeatable laboratory testing under controlled conditions.
We Have Range! Fort Huachuca’s 1.6-million-acre Buffalo Soldier Electronic Testing Range allows testing in a variety of real-world environments including desert, canyon and mountainous terrain with or without foliage. A differential GPS base station and rover system can provide differential GPS corrections for the entire test range and beyond. The corrections provide position accuracies in the sub-meter range, producing truth data during testing. With 30 years of GPS test experience, EPG is well known and respected in the test community.
Test Support
The Global Positioning System (GPS) Test Facility provides a wide range of GPS test support to the GPS directorate, military GPS product directors (PD), program managers (PM) and commercial GPS receiver manufacturers. Some of the recent test programs supported by the facility include, but are not limited to:
- Assured Position Navigation & Timing Systems (APNT)
- M-code Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE)
- Enhanced Defense Advanced GPS Receiver Distributed Device, M-code (ED3M)
- Patriot Missile Launcher (AJ Antenna testing)
- Combat Survivor-Evader Locator (CSEL)
- COSPAS-SARSAT (Search and Rescue beacons)
Capabilities
GPSIS:
GPSIS provides flexibility in testing receivers by providing operational control of dynamic and repeatable scenarios in a low-cost laboratory-based environment. The GPSIS is capable of simulating external sensor and input data, thereby emulating host vehicle integration. Sensor data is presented on interfaces coincident with GPS RF signals. This allows testers to ‘drive’ or ‘fly’ the GPS receiver in the convenience and comfort of the laboratory, thereby reducing costly dynamic testing. Simulations are replayed exactly and as many times necessary with controlled variability to exercise intricacies in receiver design, or to exploit receiver anomalies and performance issues. Integrated control for Electronic Warfare and multipath signals are modeled rough computer control. The simulated GPS signals are injected directly into a GPS receiver under test in the laboratory.
GPS Dynamic Array Test Facility:
EPG has an indoor GPS test range that allows GPS system Performance and Survivability testing under realistic live sky conditions while indoors. A simulated GNSS constellation antenna array used within a large chamber for maximum realism bridging the gap between lab and field testing for GPS/GNSS navigation system evaluation. This indoor GNSS constellation will provide significantly more testing opportunity against GPS threats since no need for outdoor over the air frequency request(s) and coordination. The system provides a well controlled signal environment (115dB of isolation minimum) for Developmental & Integration testing.
Current constellation capabilities: Full GPS constellation (L1, L2, L5, C/A, P(Y) & M-code) & Galileo & GLONASS
Internal chamber dimensions: 60’L X 60’W X 45’H, with a Large entry door: 20’ X 20’
Initial constellation capability is stationary with fully dynamic constellation anticipated March 2027
GPS Support
GPS Field Testing
- GPS receiver performance testing in tactical, live environment
- Characterize impact of actual interference while operationally configured
- Compare different GPS receivers in live environments