R-EGI Takes Flight on Military C-12J Test Aircraft
Holloman AFB, NM
The Resilient-Embedded GPS/INS (R-EGI) architecture has achieved another major milestone with its successful flight testing on a military C-12J test aircraft. This breakthrough in positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technology promises to redefine precision and reliability in complex navigation environments.
“Navigating through challenging terrains or densely populated urban areas with unwavering accuracy is now a step closer to reality, thanks to the R-EGI system”, stated Dr. Mikel Miller, IS4S R-EGI program director. “By integrating advanced GPS positioning with sophisticated inertial sensors and other complementary PNT technologies, R-EGI offers continuous, precise navigation even when traditional GPS signals are compromised, obstructed, or denied. This capability is vital for a wide range of applications, including military operations, autonomous vehicles, and disaster response scenarios.”
The government-owned R-EGI open architecture demonstrated its exceptional potential during a series of rigorous flight tests from August 20-22, 2024, at Holloman Air Force Base (AFB). In less than eight months, the R-EGI Design Agent Rapid Prototype Flight (RPF) demonstration team, consisting of personnel from IS4S, Kearfott Corporation, General Dynamics-Mission Systems, Collins Aerospace, 746th Test Squadron (746 TS), and 586th Flight Test Squadron (586 FLTS) successfully conducted three flights on the 586 FLTS C-12J aircraft to support the core R-EGI program. Mounted aboard this specially equipped aircraft, the R-EGI system integrated into a modified F-16 line-replaceable unit on a 746 TS flight rack demonstrated its ability to maintain precise positioning and orientation throughout the flight duration.
These flights included a demanding range of dynamic and aggressive flight operations on the White Sands Missile Range, with one cross-country flight specifically designed to evaluate Kearfott’s inertial measurement unit functional performance. According to Dr. Miller, “These milestone flights validated R-EGI's hardware and software architecture, showcasing its resilience and accuracy and will redefine navigation solutions for the modern era.”
“The successful demonstration of the R-EGI system is a testament to the dedication and innovation of the R-EGI Design Agent Rapid Prototype Flight demonstration team,” said Major Bernard Mutz, AFLCMC/WNX R-EGI program manager. “We not only met but exceeded all objectives ahead of schedule, showcasing the R-EGI architecture’s potential to revolutionize navigation technology.”
The R-EGI system’s success marks a significant advancement in ensuring precise and reliable PNT capabilities under even the most challenging conditions. As the technology progresses, it holds the promise of transforming how military, and potentially civilian applications, manage complex PNT tasks.
Glenn Rolader, IS4S president and CEO, concluded that, “Success in aerospace innovation is built on collaboration and shared vision. The R-EGI system’s groundbreaking achievement highlights the power of the system design agent concept, demonstrating that when industry and government partners unite their expertise and resources under this innovative model, we can overcome the most formidable challenges and redefine the future of technology.”