Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., has begun taking orders for its latest-generation Miniature PLGR Engine – M-Code (MPE-M) GPS receiver set for 2020 production deliveries. According to independent testing, the MPE-M is the lowest Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) small Type II form factor ground receiver available and incorporates the company’s recently certified Common GPS Module (CGM).
As a drop-in replacement for the thousands of customers using Collins’ Miniature PLGR Engine-SAASM (MPE-S) GPS receiver, the new MPE-M technology provides 10 times stronger anti-jamming capabilities for the direct acquisition of GPS signals than its predecessor, according to the manufacturer. The MPE-M is capable of receiving the current military Y-Code GPS signal along with the newer Military Code (M-Code) signal. For all GPS signals, the MPE-M is designed to provide warfighters improved security, assured positioning and it satisfies the U.S. government’s requirement for all military GPS equipment to be M-Code capable.
“The MPE-M is ideal for lightweight, ground-based applications such as radios, blue force trackers, targeting devices, vehicle LRU’s and small unmanned aircraft,” said Troy Brunk, vice president and general manager, Communication, Navigation and Electronic Warfare Systems for Collins Aerospace. “The implementation of M-Code will provide our warfighters with increased mission effectiveness and safety due to the improved reliability of the signal.”
Collins Aerospace is currently the only military GPS receiver provider that manufactures its products in house, assuring control over quality and delivery schedules, the company stated. The MPE-M’s security certification also makes the receiver eligible for export to U.S. allies through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
Created in 2018 by bringing together UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace works to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries.
