Exelis delivers encryptors for military GPS system

The first three of 14 encryptors for the U.S. Air Force's Global Positioning System Operational Control System have been delivered to Raytheon by Exelis. The ground-based encryptors will be integrated by Raytheon into the operational control system of next-generation GPS satellites and will automatically code and decode GPS signals. "Following successful thermal, electromagnetic interference and security verification testing, Exelis delivered the first three of 14 encryptors," said Kevin Farrell, positioning, navigation and timing general manager for Exelis Geospatial Systems. "Once integrated into the OCX system, the encryptors will help ensure that the next generation of GPS satellites will be ready for launch and provide advanced capabilities and security to both military and civilian users of the signal and the overall GPS modernization effort." Exelis said in addition to encryptors, it is building high-precision receivers for use in GPS ground monitoring stations and satellite signal simulators for testing purposes. Additional details of the contract under which Exelis produced the encryptors were not disclosed.