What have been the advances since you began deliveries of the GAJT-710ML?
The
original signal plan for GAJT-710ML was GPS L1 and GPS L2 only, with
specific capability to use civil, P(Y) and M-Codes. GAJT-710ML as
delivered in 2019 addressed GPS L1, Galileo E1, QZSS L1, GPS L2, QZSS
L2. The version delivered provides situational awareness by jammer power
level – by automatic gain control (AGC), as well as jammer
direction-finding to the most powerful jamming signal. We are in the
process of improving GAJT-710ML to be able to give simultaneous
directions to multiple jammers.
Meanwhile,
deployment of GAJT-410ML has started. This is a 4-element version of
the same technology as GAJT-710ML but for smaller platforms. By using an
internal junction box, the user can install this GAJT with just one
small RF cable penetrating the vehicle armor. The latest GAJT version is
GAJT-AE2. This UK-built board-level product is also able to use the
strong L5 signals.
We have also launched the Robust Dual Antenna
Receiver (RoDAR). Our engineers put an anti-jam algorithm directly on
our OEM7 dual-antenna receivers (OEM718D and OEM7720).This is for the
very small platforms that cannot carry a full GAJT. It only provides one
null (as it has two antennas) although it does so simultaneously on L1
and L5 and related GNSS signals.
NovAtel’s GAJT are commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. How does that help you with exports?
GAJT
products are built in Canada (mainly) and the UK and are subject from
source to the Controlled Goods Program of Canada and UK Export controls
respectively, but are not subject to U.S. International Traffic in Arms
Regulations (ITAR) until shipped to the United States. RoDAR is based on
OEM7 receivers which are free from export controls and because only one
null is created per frequency, the RoDAR configuration is also free
from export controls.
Once goods
controlled by Canada or the UK land in the United States, or are
incorporated into an already ITAR controlled system, then they become
subject to the ITAR. Being COTS helps with export classifications
because GAJT is dual-use. For example, it is used in oil and gas
exploration. One of the ways that we work with the U.S. Department of
Defense and other departments is via Hexagon U.S. Federal, which is a
U.S.-proxied organization that can operate at classification levels
beyond what other Hexagon units can.
Has the form factor remained essentially the same, and will it remain the same, while you upgrade the electronics?
The
GAJT-710ML form-factor remains unchanged. This is important because the
installation schemes take time to design and the customer likes
continuity in the area. We intend for follow-on products —which will
naturally be better performing, lower volume and lower power — to have
an optional interface that will allow mounting on existing installation
schemes. GAJT-410ML and the other products are smaller.
Hexagon
says that its anti-jam technology increasingly emphasizes protecting
GPS signals against Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) from the
advanced armed forces of nations. What are some examples and in what
direction is anti-jam technology evolving?
Most
conflicts of the previous generation were “asymmetric” in terms of the
military technology deployed by each side. Now we see more conflicts
between advanced armed forces which are more symmetric and expect that
to continue. Anti-Jam technology is evolving to encompass all the GNSS
signals and other PNT sensors that are being used by allied defense
forces. This includes added GPS signals (beyond L1 and L2) as well as
GNSS, L-Band corrections, SBAS and other emerging PNT signals. One task
for us is to discern users’ requirements. Even within NATO there are
different national policies as to which signals and sensors are
essential/desirable/not to be used.
Anti Jam Tualcom
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