Military GPS Antenna Systems

GPS (Global Positioning System) antennas receive signals from satellites within the GPS Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) constellation. These signals can be used by military and defense forces, including troops, land vehicles, aircraft and naval vessels, for precision Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT).

Military GPS antennas may be designed for particular mountings and platforms. Specialized models may include military vehicle and aircraft GPS antennas, naval vessel GPS antennas, and wearable versions for dismounted soldier applications.

Military GPS Frequencies

GAJT-710ML Anti-Jam GPS Antenna by Hexagon | NovAtel suitable for land, sea, and fixed installations

GPS signals are currently broadcast on three different frequencies, known as L1, L2 and L5, with L5 being the newest. Both L1 and L2 have restricted codes that can be broadcast on these frequencies for military use only, known as the P(Y)-code and the M-code. M-code is newer, provides more robust security and anti-jamming capabilities, and will eventually replace P(Y)-code.

GPS antennas may be single-frequency or multi-frequency, with dual-band antennas typically receiving signals from L1 and L2, or L1 and L5, simultaneously. While L5 does not have a specific military component, its advanced performance compared to the older signals can still be used to benefit defense applications.

Military-Grade GPS Antenna Form Factors

• Patch antennas consist of a sheet of metal mounted on a ground plane, and are ideal for low-profile installations.
• Helical antennas are omnidirectional antennas that consist of a helical coil wound around a core, and may be right-hand or left-hand circularly polarized.
• Quadrifilar helix antennas use four helical elements for enhanced multidirectional performance.

Available in a variety of types and form factors they may be provided in a board-level form factor for OEMs and systems integrators, or housed in an enclosure. Enclosures will typically be ruggedized to enable the antenna to operate in harsh environments.

Rugged GPS antennas may incorporate protection against water and dust ingress, salt spray, shock and vibration, and impact and gunfire. They may also incorporate anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities.