Resilient-Embedded GPS/INS (R-EGI) Architecture Takes Flight on Military C-12J Test Aircraft

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, Integrated Solutions for Systems (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 military operations, autonomous vehicles, and disaster response scenarios.”

The government-owned R-EGI open architecture demonstrated its potential during a series of flight tests from August 20-22, 2024, at Holloman AFB, NM. The R-EGI Design Agent Rapid Prototype Flight Demonstration Industry and Government Team, comprising personnel from IS4S, Kearfott Corporation, General Dynamics-Mission Systems, Collins Aerospace, the 746th Test Squadron, and the 586th Flight Test Squadron, conducted three successful flights on a C-12J aircraft.

The flights included aggressive flight operations at the White Sands Missile Range, with one cross-country flight evaluating Kearfott’s inertial measurement unit performance. “These flights validated R-EGI's hardware and software architecture,” said Dr. Miller. “This will redefine navigation solutions for the modern era.”

Major Bernard Mutz, AFLCMC/WNX R-EGI Program Manager, praised the team for exceeding objectives and showcasing R-EGI’s future potential.