Thousands of U.S. military vehicles have MAPS GEN II navigation systems

Collins Aerospace, a segment of RTX, has announced that it has received authorization to commence full-rate production of its Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Generation II system, known as MAPS GEN II.

This achievement follows the successful completion of the fifth delivery order for the system, which is engineered to withstand jamming and spoofing attempts that could interfere with navigation during combat operations.

Production will occur in the United States, with plans for thousands of units to be installed on combat ground vehicles and military watercraft utilized by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.

The system aims to provide reliable navigation and timing information for military personnel, even in scenarios where conventional GPS signals may be compromised, a concern that is increasingly relevant as electronic warfare techniques evolve.

This announcement represents a significant advancement for Collins Aerospace, which has been collaborating closely with the U.S. military to enhance this technology. Sandy Brown, vice president and general manager for Resilient Navigation Solutions at Collins Aerospace, highlighted the teamwork involved in the project.

She pointed out that the company has successfully addressed the military’s updated requirements while also identifying methods to reduce production costs. According to Brown, this system is crucial to the Department of Defense’s larger initiatives to modernize its equipment and ensure that troops have reliable tools in the field, especially when confronted with challenges to satellite-based navigation.

MAPS GEN II represents an advanced technological solution aimed at overcoming the limitations of conventional navigation systems. It integrates data from a variety of sources, including satellite signals and diverse sensors, to deliver a more robust navigation capability. The system comprises two primary components: the NavHub-100 navigation unit and the Multi-Sensor Antenna System (MSAS-100).

These components work in unison to aggregate information from multiple inputs, such as satellite navigation, terrain analysis, and secure timing data. This comprehensive data integration ensures precise positioning, even in scenarios where adversaries attempt to disrupt GPS signals through jamming or spoofing tactics.

Designed for both manned vehicles, such as tanks and troop carriers, and unmanned platforms like drones and robotic supply units, MAPS GEN II offers versatility across various military operations.

The underlying technology of MAPS GEN II is the result of extensive research and development focused on addressing the dynamic threats present in contemporary warfare. In combat environments, dependable navigation is crucial for effective movement coordination, enemy targeting, and communication.

Disruptions to GPS signals can severely hinder troops’ navigation capabilities, jeopardizing missions and endangering lives. MAPS GEN II mitigates this risk by employing sensor fusion algorithms, which combine data from non-radio frequency sensors with satellite information.

This methodology guarantees that personnel in vehicles or on vessels can accurately ascertain their location and maintain synchronized timing, which is vital for operations ranging from artillery strikes to logistical support. Additionally, the system’s scalability allows it to be tailored for various mission types, including ground combat, missile defense, or maritime operations.

The introduction of MAPS GEN II is set to significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of vehicles and watercraft for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. Ground combat vehicles, such as the Stryker and Abrams tank, depend on accurate navigation to traverse difficult terrains and effectively engage targets.

Similarly, military watercraft utilized for ship-to-shore operations require precise positioning to synchronize with land forces. The implementation of this advanced system will better prepare these platforms to function in contested environments where adversaries may attempt to disrupt navigation and communication.

With assured positioning and timing data, troops can operate with increased confidence, execute missions with enhanced accuracy, and swiftly adapt to evolving battlefield conditions.

This upgrade is particularly timely as the military places greater emphasis on resilience against electronic warfare. BulgarianMilitary.com highlights that the emergence of near-peer competitors like Russia and China has intensified the demand for systems such as MAPS GEN II.

These nations have showcased sophisticated jamming and spoofing capabilities, as evidenced by frequent GPS disruptions reported during the conflict in Ukraine. For the U.S. military, ensuring that its vehicles and vessels can operate effectively in such challenging environments is crucial, and MAPS GEN II serves as a direct response to this necessity.

By minimizing dependence on susceptible GPS signals, the system provides commanders and troops with a more robust basis for decision-making and action, even in high-pressure situations.

Prior to the introduction of MAPS GEN II, the U.S. military utilized earlier navigation systems, notably the first iteration known as MAPS GEN I. Launched in 2019, this initial MAPS system was part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing navigation capabilities for mounted units, especially in environments where GPS signals were unavailable.

While it included some anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities, its overall performance and scope were limited when compared to the advancements found in the newer version. MAPS GEN II enhances this original framework with cutting-edge technology, featuring improved sensor fusion and an expanded range of applications.

The second-generation system offers superior protection against interference by effectively integrating multiple data sources and utilizing upgraded hardware. It also provides increased versatility, enabling support for a wider array of platforms and mission types, a capability that the previous system struggled to deliver.

On a global scale, other countries have developed comparable navigation systems to counter similar threats. For instance, Russia employs its GLONASS satellite system as an alternative to GPS, which is incorporated into various military vehicles, including the T-90 tank and BMP infantry fighting vehicles.

GLONASS features its own anti-jamming capabilities, although its effectiveness can vary based on the specific platform and countermeasures employed. Additionally, China’s BeiDou navigation system serves as another equivalent, extensively utilized across its military assets, ranging from ground vehicles like the Type 99 tank to naval vessels.

BeiDou has evolved into a comprehensive global network, with significant investments from China aimed at enhancing its resistance to interference, mirroring a similar emphasis on resilience in challenging environments. In contrast to MAPS GEN II, which is developed by Collins Aerospace, a private entity under the RTX umbrella, both BeiDou and its counterparts are produced by state-supported organizations.

While Russia and China pursue their distinct strategies, companies in allied nations are also investigating reliable navigation solutions. BAE Systems, a British defense contractor, has created navigation technologies for the UK military, including systems integrated into vehicles like the Challenger 2 tank.

These systems are designed to ensure dependable positioning in scenarios where GPS is unavailable, although they are customized for specific platforms and lack the extensive scalability offered by MAPS GEN II. Israel’s Elbit Systems has developed navigation solutions for ground vehicles, such as the Merkava tank, incorporating features aimed at mitigating electronic threats.

These global instances highlight the widespread necessity for jam-resistant navigation, although the details of each system differ according to national priorities and technological strategies.

The authorization for full-rate production of MAPS GEN II represents a significant commitment from the U.S. military to equip its forces with advanced capabilities. Collins Aerospace intends to supply thousands of units in the upcoming years, with the Army earmarking $130 million in its 2025 budget for the acquisition of 619 systems, including spare parts and support equipment.

This investment will facilitate the integration of MAPS GEN II into Armored Brigade Combat Teams, Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, Marine Corps units, and Army watercraft. The implementation is anticipated to commence in earnest by June 2025, leveraging the training and testing already in progress with units such as the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

Once the system is operational, it will be instrumental in influencing the U.S. military’s approach to the complexities of contemporary warfare, ensuring that its vehicles and vessels maintain functionality regardless of the challenges encountered.