Allied air identification

Military aircrews are just beginning to experience the benefits of having Global Positioning System (GPS) quality navigation information available in the cockpit. Aircraft integrated in accordance with the Navy GPS Integration Guidance (GIG) receive a two-frequency military receiver with Precise Positioning Service (PPS) accuracy, a MIL-STD-1553B digital navigation data bus, electronic data transfer capability, and area navigation (RNAV) capability displayed on the flight instruments. By the year 2000, most military aircraft will have GPS installed in accordance with the congressional mandate. There are several upgrades for military GPS being studied but the biggest change will come when the operators start to apply this new level of platform navigation accuracy in their tactical operations. A significant improvement in situational awareness and tactical effectiveness is possible when friendly military aircraft self-report their accurate position and identification.