Successful Flight Test Confirms R-EGI MOSA Architecture’s Ability to Quickly Integrate Alternate M-Code GPS Receivers

Holloman AFB, NM 

In a groundbreaking flight test conducted this month, IS4S teamed with the 746 Test Squadron and the 586 Flight Test Squadron to showcase the impressive flexibility and performance of the Resilient-Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) Inertial Navigation System (INS) (R-EGI) architecture. The test demonstrated the system’s adaptability by integrating and flying two different M-code receivers—one from Collins Aerospace and another from Trimble—aboard a C-12J aircraft, proving R-EGI’s ability to eliminate vendor lock.  

Collins M-Code GPS Receiver

The flight test featured the Collins M-code receiver, an upgraded version of the one used during R-EGI’s August’s first military flight at Holloman AFB. Additionally, General Dynamics-Mission Systems rapidly integrated the Trimble M-code receiver into another R-EGI system within four weeks, underscoring the architecture's remarkable flexibility.  

Both receivers successfully transmitted M-code position, velocity, and time data to the Safety Critical Navigation and Mission Capability Navigation processors, delivering both GPS M-code-only and hybrid (M-code/inertial measurement unit) positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solutions. This achievement highlights R-EGI's capability to seamlessly use data from multiple vendors, providing accurate and reliable PNT solutions. 

Trimble M-Code GPS Receiver

“This flight test marks a significant milestone in the development of R-EGI,” said Dr. Mikel Miller, IS4S R-EGI program director. “By demonstrating the system's ability to integrate different hardware components—like M-code receivers from multiple vendors—we showed that R-EGI is ready for rapid upgrades and flexible operational configurations. This is essential for staying ahead of emerging threats and meeting evolving mission requirements.” 

The successful integration and data collection during this flight test highlight the operational advantages of the R-EGI architecture. Its ability to quickly integrate new components, break vendor lock, and provide flexible, reliable solutions makes it a powerful asset for military and aerospace applications, where resiliency, adaptability, rapid deployment, and the capacity to stay ahead of evolving threats are essential. 

For more information about the R-EGI architecture and its capabilities, please contact: Dr. Mikel Miller at PNTworks@is4s.com. 

About R-EGI 

R-EGI (Resilient-Embedded GPS/INS) is the next-generation PNT architecture developed by the USAF PNT-Program Office to deliver highly adaptable, reliable, and secure navigation solutions for military and aerospace applications. Leveraging modular open systems approach (MOSA), sensor open systems architecture (SOSA), and other standardized interfaces, R-EGI offers the flexibility to integrate alternative navigation sources. This multi-source capability, coupled with rapid upgrade paths and vendor flexibility, ensures R-EGI’s optimal performance in dynamic, contested environments. By enabling continuous adaptability and resilience, R-EGI is poised to meet the evolving challenges of modern warfare and the future of defense operations.