BAE Systems Chosen to Advance GPS Innovation for Eurofighter Typhoon
November 17, 2023 — Following effective operations to showcase functional compatibility and physical installation viability, BAE Systems Digital GPS Anti-jam Receiver (DIGARTM) has been chosen to advance into the subsequent phase of the Phase 4 Enhancements (P4E) capabilities initiative on the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. DIGAR will enhance the defense of the aircraft against GPS signal jamming, spoofing, and Radio Frequency (RF) disruption, enabling pilots to carry out their missions in heavily contested RF environments.
DIGAR employs sophisticated antenna electronics, high-efficiency signal processing, and digital beamforming for considerably improved GPS signal detection and exceptional jamming resilience. These features elevate the level of GPS jamming protection by a million-fold and are essential for combat aircraft as they navigate through a competitive battlefield.
The fighter will also incorporate BAE Systems’ latest GEMVII-6 airborne digital GPS receiver which, when paired with the DIGAR antenna electronics unit, facilitates the platform’s capability for advanced digital beamforming anti-jamming.
“Contemporary fighters necessitate precise positioning and navigation information for mission triumph in GPS-challenged surroundings,” stated Luke Bishop, director of Navigation and Sensor Systems at BAE Systems. “Our DIGAR antenna electronics and GEM VII GPS receivers are relied upon to safeguard these critical platforms in GPS contested environments, ensuring mission success.”
Eurofighter Typhoon serves as the cornerstone of combat aerial defense for the UK and numerous key European and international allies. In operation with nine nations, it provides round-the-clock air security and participates in frontline operations, including ongoing NATO air policing across Eastern Europe.
BAE Systems, as part of the four-nation Eurofighter consortium responsible for the aircraft, is consistently investing in the Typhoon jet to sustain its advanced military capabilities.
Beyond Typhoon, DIGAR is also integrated into the F-16, F-15, and other specialized aircraft in the U.S., including air interdiction and force protection platforms, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance aircraft, and unmanned aerial systems.
With over 40 years of GPS expertise, BAE Systems’ array of GPS solutions offers size, weight, and power attributes suitable for a diverse range of applications, including portable electronics, precision-guided munitions, unmanned aerial systems, ground vehicles, and aircraft.
Development on DIGAR and GEMVII occurs at BAE Systems’ facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where the company has committed to a cutting-edge 278,000-square-foot engineering and production hub.
