OREANDA-NEWS. Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) has delivered the first operational hardware for the Global Positioning System's Next Generation Operational Control System, known as GPS OCX, completing a key milestone in the program. GPS OCX is the ground command and control system that will manage GPS satellites with significantly improved accuracy and precision, while providing unprecedented levels of cyber protection.

The May delivery is the first hardware shipment in support of the next-generation GPS ground control stations. The hardware was delivered to Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado, which will ultimately serve as the home for the new GPS OCX Master Control Station. 

"Delivery and testing of the hardware represents a key milestone for the OCX program, as it supports next year's acceptance of the OCX Launch and Checkout System for the GPS III satellites," said Matt Gilligan, GPS OCX program manager.

The hardware delivery supports the new GPS ground system, which will deliver a host of new capabilities. The Launch and Checkout System (LSC) is a subset of the fuller OCX ground system, and establishes the cyber-hardened infrastructure to which additional mission applications will be added. 

The next step is for the team is to install and audit the equipment, as well as perform information assurance testing. This delivery will also enable certification and testing of hardware ahead of the next milestone in the program -- formal customer acceptance of LCS -- in early 2016. In addition to the first hardware delivery, the team has developed and integrated all of the software for LCS, which provides launch and checkout capability for the initial GPS III launches.

"With hardware in place, Raytheon is positioned to complete validation and testing of critical capabilities and cybersecurity protections ahead of the LCS Acceptance milestone," added Gilligan. "LCS was established in part as a significant risk reduction effort for the program. Raytheon is committed to a seamless transition of OCX and the capabilities it will deliver to the U.S. Warfighter and civil and commercial users worldwide."

The U.S. warfighter leverages GPS services to support air, land, sea and space missions. Additionally, GPS is used by millions of people around the world to enhance daily life activities such as personal navigation tools. It's also required for industry and businesses and is essential to support safety-of-life assurance for air traffic control systems and emergency responders. The modernized ground station will bring new capability and precision to the GPS enterprise.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2014 sales of \$23 billion and 61,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 93 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cyber security and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass.