Many of Northrop Grumman’s electronic systems rely on navigation and guidance from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. And now, Northrop Grumman will be relying on CAES for M-Code GPS antennas as key components in its precision guidance kits (PGKs), which are used to add satellite guidance to missiles and projectiles.
CAES is a long-time supplier of guidance antennas to the U.S. military, and the M-Code antennas (see image above) provide full GPS navigation capabilities even amidst attempts to jam and interfere with signal reception. The contract from Northrop Grumman for the GPS antennas is valued as more than $24 million. The contract calls for CAES to deliver 80,000 antennas over the next three years as part of PGKs for the U.S. Army.
Mike Kahn, president and CEO of CAES, said, “Our advanced capabilities in antenna design and manufacturing are a natural fit in supporting these advanced munitions. We’re proud to support Northrop Grumman on the PGK program to bring accurate, reliable, and affordable precision fires to the Army.” The PGKs and their M-Code antennas enable projectiles to become guided missiles with GPS-aided navigational precision while also reducing the number of rounds required to defeat critical targets.