Raytheon has wrapped up launch and checkout system testing on the U.S. Air Force’s Global Positioning System Next-Generation Operational Control System, known as GPS OCX, the company announced this week.
GPS OCX is part of the Air Force-led GPS Modernization Program, which aims to yield new positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities for U.S. military and civilian users. Raytheon was awarded the $1.5 billion contract to develop the system in February of 2010.
Most recently, Raytheon tested 74 OCX segment requirements at its Aurora, Colo., factory.
Next, the remaining OCX segment requirements will be qualified in a retest period. Those requiring external interfaces will be qualified onsite at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado Springs ahead of the OSC LCS delivery later this year. The final testing phase – called Site Acceptance Testing – will follow the system delivery.
“The completion of the Factory Qualification Test proves we can meet the U.S. Air Force requirements and are on a path to delivering the OCX LCS in 2017,” said Bill Sullivan, vice president and program manager for Raytheon’s GPS OCX. “This critical system will enable the launch of the GPS III satellites, which represents the first major capability deployment in the U.S Air Force’s effort to modernize GPS.”
Filed Under: Aerospace + defense
