Alliant Techsystems said it has been selected by Boeing North American Inc., Anaheim, Calif., to produce Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver modules for use in the Combat Survivor/Evader Locator (CSEL) system.
The CSEL system is a state-of-the-art secure combat search and rescue communications system that provides rescue teams with the capability to locate, authenticate, and communicate with downed air crew members anywhere in the world without revealing their position to enemy forces.
Under the contract, Alliant's Defense Systems Group will produce CSEL SAASM GPS modules for testing and evaluation to qualify the design for production.
Don Sticinski, group vice president, Defense Systems, said ATK is pleased to support Boeing on the CSEL program.
"CSEL exploits the power and versatility of SAASM GPS technology," said Sticinski. "We are proud to incorporate this advanced technology into this important life-saving system."
Currently, ATK is offering the only SAASM qualified by the GPS Joint Program Office. SAASM is a single, tamper-resistant, unclassified multi-chip module that, when incorporated into a GPS receiver, gives authorized users access to the Department of Defense GPS Precise Positioning Service signal, which is more accurate than signals available to the commercial community.
SAASM's benefits include increased security, standardization among military users, and simplified operational requirements. Unlike current GPS receivers that use first-generation secure architecture, SAASM-based receivers will be easier to integrate and will simplify logistics.
Sticinski said secure GPS technology represents a significant new market for ATK.
"Military spending for GPS products is expected to grow from $127 million in 1997 to over $740 million in 2004," said Sticinski. "As the only currently qualified source for SAASM, ATK has an opportunity to capture market share early in this potentially large market."
