The GAO has released a report indicating very real problems with the GPS system due to satellites beginning to fail next year.
From the GAO report:
"In summary, it is uncertain whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption. If not, some military operations and some civilian users could be adversely affected. In addition, military users will experience a delay in utilizing new GPS capabilities, including improved resistance to jamming of GPS signals, because of poor synchronization of the acquisition and development of the satellites with the ground control and user equipment. Finally, there are challenges in ensuring civilian requirements for GPS can be met and that GPS is compatible with other new, potentially competing global space-based positioning, navigation, and timing systems."
The report can be found at:
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09670t.pdf
Let's hope that all these new aircraft with glass cockpits still have VOR and TACAN capability. For the multi-engine birds flying across the pond, they'll have to have a Navigator with a sextant. Is the LORAN system still operational?
Joe
From the GAO report:
"In summary, it is uncertain whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption. If not, some military operations and some civilian users could be adversely affected. In addition, military users will experience a delay in utilizing new GPS capabilities, including improved resistance to jamming of GPS signals, because of poor synchronization of the acquisition and development of the satellites with the ground control and user equipment. Finally, there are challenges in ensuring civilian requirements for GPS can be met and that GPS is compatible with other new, potentially competing global space-based positioning, navigation, and timing systems."
The report can be found at:
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09670t.pdf
Let's hope that all these new aircraft with glass cockpits still have VOR and TACAN capability. For the multi-engine birds flying across the pond, they'll have to have a Navigator with a sextant. Is the LORAN system still operational?
Joe
