(U) Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR)

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U)  The Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) was acquired to fill a need for a miniaturized handheld receiver equivalent in size to the Small Lightweight GPS Receiver (SLGR), but capable of receiving the more accurate Precise Positioning Service (PPS) signal in addition to incorporating other required features.   It was procured in 1993, and its production continues.  Advancing GPS technology combined with competition to yield an unexpectedly low cost that resulted in a high demand for this very capable receiver.  In addition to extensive handheld and ground-mobile use, the PLGR is being used for other medium dynamics applications.

Description: (U)
(U)  The AN/PSN-11 PLGR is a small, handheld, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver featuring selective availability/antispoofing (SA/A-S) and anti-jam capability. It provides precise positioning and timing solutions based upon signals received from the GPS satellite constellation. It is a five channel receiver, capable of Precision Code (P Code) and Y Code (encrypted P Code) reception. Positioning solutions can be displayed in latitude, longitude, military grid reference system, Universal Transverse Mercator, British National Grid, and Irish Transverse Mercator Grid coordinates. It contains 49 map datums, and can be programmed to support navigation. The PLGR has a built-in-test feature, and is NVG compatible.  In addition to extensive handheld and ground-mobile use, the PLGR is being used for medium dynamics aircraft applications. 

(U)  The Enhanced Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (EPLGR) is an enhanced version of the PLGR featuring increased battery life and number of waypoints.  EPLGR procurement began in October 1995.

User Impact: (U)
(U) The PLGR is the first GPS receiver used widely throughout the DoD providing individual soldiers and small platforms all-weather, precise navigation and timing capabilities, globally.  The PLGR provides real time precise positioning and timing capabilities to enhance platform/ground soldiers' navigation, site surveying, field artillery placement, target acquisition, target hand-off operations, and communication systems timing.  Improves lethality based on precise knowledge of the location of friendly firepower, coupled with precision forward-observer determinations of enemy locations and movements. In non-combat operations, will support efficient off-road navigation for supply distribution, vehicle recovery, rendezvous, and reconnaissance.  DoD is in current negotiations to extend the PLGR warranty by 4 years on all receivers due to their extensive utility.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Operational.
	(U) Termination: 01/2001 (2QFY2001).
		(U)  01/2001 is when the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) will begin to replace the PLGR.  Many PLGRs are expected to be in service well past 2001.  PE35164F.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) Defense Advanced GPS Receiver, GPS Block IIA, GPS Block IIF, GPS Block IIR, NAVWAR Adv Concept Tech Demo

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Hand-Held

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) NAVIGATION.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
21 May 1998

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)