Frequency Electronics to Provide First GPS III Clocks

Frequency Electronics to Provide First GPS III Clocks
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Jun 18, 2008
GPS World

The value of the contract when finalized could exceed $10 million with more than
half of the work to be completed within 18 months.

The contract covers the construction of the first two research and development
satellites in the Block III program. The U.S. Air Force will undertake GPS III
in three phases; this first phase may require add-ons to the initial contract,
increasing the overall value of products to be provided by Frequency, the
company said. In future phases of the GPS III program, it will have the
opportunity to bid and supply further payload products for the additional Block
III satellites.

Military contractor Lockheed Martin and its subcontractors ITT and General
Dynamics will actually build the first eight GPS IIIA satellites, with the first
launch slated for 2014. Eight GPS IIIB and 16 GPS IIIC satellites are planned
for later increments, with each increment including additional capabilities
based on technical maturity.

When fully deployed, the GPS III constellation will feature a cross-linked
command and control architecture, allowing the entire GPS constellation to be
updated simultaneously from a single ground station, according to Lockheed.
Additionally, a new spot beam capability for enhanced military (M-Code) coverage
and increased resistance to hostile jamming, as well as new civilian signals,
will be incorporated.