R-EGI RPF Unit Completes Ground Testing

Holloman Air Force Base, NM

746th Test Squadron Large Test Vehicle 

The Resilient Embedded GPS/INS (R-EGI) Rapid Prototype Flight (RPF) unit has successfully completed rigorous ground testing and is now prepared for C-12 aircraft flights. Conducted from July 8-10, 2024, at the 746th Test Squadron (746 TS), this testing represents a significant milestone in the validation of this advanced navigation system.

The 746 TS, known for its leadership in testing advanced aerospace position, velocity, and time (PVT) systems, helped execute the ground sorties comprehensive three-day evaluation. This included a static operational verification and two days of dynamic testing using the 746 TS large test vehicle (LTV) on White Sands Missile Range. During the ground mobile sorties, the team achieved an impressive feat by collecting over four hours of continuous PVT data each day. This accomplishment confirms the readiness and functional performance of the R-EGI RPF units for their upcoming flight integration.

R-EGI System Installed on Flight Rack on LTV

For the first time, this testing phase also included an evaluation of complementary PNT using pntOS. This integration represents a significant advancement in our ability to assess and validate the system’s overall performance and reliability in complex scenarios.

The testing involved a series of carefully planned tasks, including stationary periods, driving along predefined routes, halting, and retracing the path, covering a total distance of approximately 230 miles over two days. This thorough evaluation ensured the system’s functional performance across diverse ground conditions.

“Significant data sets were gathered during the demonstration, including GPS data, tightly coupled blended M/Y-code and inertial measurement unit (IMU) solutions, and tightly coupled blended M-code only and IMU solutions. Our initial analyses show no apparent issues, which confirms the R-EGI architecture capability to perform in real-world environments,” noted Matthew Jonas, IS4S RPF chief engineer.

Dennis Miller, IS4S RPF program manager, stated, “The successful completion of this extensive ground testing phase is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We are confident that the R-EGI RPF units are ready for the next phase of their development and integration into C-12 flights. The data we've collected demonstrates the system’s functionality in a range of conditions.”

“This milestone is a critical step forward for the R-EGI program. The ability to collect over four hours of continuous PVT data under varying scenarios each day highlights the system’s readiness and functional performance. We look forward to advancing to the flight-testing phase and further validating the capabilities of this innovative navigation technology,” commented Major Bernard Mutz, AFLCMC/WNX R-EGI program manager.

Dr. Mikel Miller, IS4S R-EGI director, added, “This rapid development timeline underscores the collaborative effort and commitment of our partners—Collins Aerospace, General Dynamics Mission Systems, and Kearfott Corporation—in delivering advanced navigation solutions. We are on track to complete the rapid prototype phase to validate the R-EGI architecture in an operational flight environment in under eight months, demonstrating our shared dedication to advancing aerospace technology.”

The successful completion of this ground testing phase paves the way for integrating the R-EGI RPF units into the C-12 aircraft at the 586th Flight Test Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base. This advancement represents a substantial leap forward in enhancing navigation and operational capabilities.