Joint precision approach and landing system

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LAAS architecture, similar in concept to JPALS LDGPS fixed base category

In the

US Navy's amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers (hull classifications
LH and CVN, respectively).

The onboard receiver compares the current GPS-derived position with the local correction signal, deriving a highly accurate three-dimensional position capable of being used for all-weather approaches via an

Local Area Augmentation System
, but intended primarily for use by the military, some elements of JPALS may eventually see their way into civilian use to help protect high-value civilian operations against unauthorized signal alteration.

History

JPALS tactical prototype

The development of JPALS was the result of two main military requirements. First, the military needs an all-service, highly mobile all-weather precision approach system, tailorable to a wide range of environments, from shipboard use to rapid installation at makeshift airfields. Second, they need a robust system that can maintain a high level of reliability in combat operations, particularly in its ability to effectively resist jamming.

Operation

JPALS encompasses two main categories: SRGPS (shipboard relative

GPS
) and LDGPS (land/local differential GPS). SRGPS provides highly accurate approach positioning for operations aboard ship, including aircraft carriers, helo and STO/VL carriers, and other shipboard operations, primarily helicopter operations.

LDGPS is further divided into three sub-categories: fixed base, tactical, and special missions. Fixed base is used for ongoing operations at military airfields around the world, while the tactical system is portable, designed for relatively short-term, austere airfield operations. The special missions system is a highly portable system capable of rapid installation and use by special forces.

Accuracy

The accuracy of

CAT III ILS
accuracy, and will provide horizontal and vertical resolutions of less than 1 m. Although the exact accuracy of JPALS will remain classified, it's estimated that JPALS will meet or exceed this accuracy for authorized users.

Benefits

The main benefit of JPALS is that it's a system that can be taken anywhere, anytime, providing a safe and effective way to conduct 24/7, all-weather, anti-jam instrument landing system capability to all authorized users, worldwide. A secondary benefit is a significant reduction in cost over current systems.

The naval version of JPALS transmits a signal that has a low probability of intercept; so it is unlikely that an enemy will detect the signal and trace it back to its source. The existing system,

emissions control
(EMCON) or stealth conditions.

The increase in both accuracy and reliability will significantly enhance operations while reducing non-operational periods due to weather or adversarial efforts.

See also

References

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (February 27, 2004). "Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) Fact Sheet". Archived from the original on January 18, 2006. Retrieved November 20, 2005.
  • Department of Transportation and Department of Defense (March 25, 2002). "2001 Federal Radionavigation Plan" (PDF). Retrieved November 27, 2005.

External links

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