Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems - Dem/Val

Mission — JNT Precision Approach & Ldg Sys source

The Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) is the primary precision approach and landing system for CVN and LHA/D ships to support aircraft without AN/SPN-46 Automatic Carrier Landing Systems (ACLS) capability including F-35B, F-35C, MQ-25A and future platforms. JPALS ship systems are required to provide CVN and LHA/D ships a primary precision approach capability during night and instrument flight conditions, including coupled approach capability to a hover transition point for LHA/D ships, and coupled approach to the deck (auto-land) capability aboard CVN ships, and contested environments. JPALS also provides the over-the-air inertial alignment capability for CVN and LHA/D ships to support aircraft platforms without Link-4A capability, including F-35, MQ-25A and future platforms. JPALS efforts include addressing broadened CyberSecurity requirements to remain compliant with software CyberSecurity directives and Information Assurance mandates. This budget also ensures required capability improvements to JPALS shipboard systems is accomplished: 1) to ensure the successful integration of Landing Autonomous Navigation Technology for Enhanced Recovery to Navy Ships (LANTERNS); 2) Agnostic Data Link; 3) JPALS Development to include M-Code. LANTERNS is a technological improvement being researched by Future Naval Capabilities/Advanced Technology Development (PE 0603673N) to ensure the continued development of enhanced, Precise Ship-Relative Navigation (PS-RN) for reliable autonomous ship recovery of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in all weather, high deck motion environments. The FNC research is centered on aircraft systems. The JPALS RDT&E supports integration of LANTERNS into the JPALS shipboard systems, delivering lethality through resilient launch and recovery operations in contested environments. This upgrade to JPALS consists of the following capabilities: JPALS Agnostic Data Link is the integration of an alternative datalink solution into JPALS GPS-based landing systems aboard CVN and LHA/D ships. It provides on-ramp opportunities for legacy (manned) and Air Wing of the Future (AWOTF) (manned/unmanned) aircraft that aligns to PMW/PMA-101 technology roadmap and increases precision navigation capabilities in all operational environments. JPALS M-Code delivers a GPS based precision approach landing capability in all-weather and all-operating environment for CVN and LHA/D ships. This supports contested environment operations for properly equipped manned and unmanned aircraft to include AWOTF. This upgrade will provide development, design and Engineering Development Model (EDM) manufacturing of a JPALS M-Code capable system, in addition to an agnostic data link. JUSTIFICATION FOR BUDGET ACTIVITY: This program is funded under ADVANCED COMPONENT DEVELOPMENT AND PROTOTYPES because it includes all efforts necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative models or prototype systems in high fidelity and realistic operating environments.

Mission — JPALS source

This budget reflects the Department of Defense certified Component Cost Position of the restructured Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) program that funds the developmental, testing, and integration activities to implement and field JPALS ship systems that deliver the primary precision approach, landing, on-deck inertial alignment, surveillance, and auto-land capability for current and future low observable manned and unmanned platforms onboard all CVN and LHA/D ships. JPALS provides for development, integration, installation, and test of JPALS on CVN and LHA/D ships in accordance with the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) May 2018 approved JPALS Capability Production Document (CPD). JPALS Engineering Development Model (EDM) articles have been delivered to support JPALS EMD activities. JPALS will continue to invest in software development in direct support of precision approach and auto-land capabilities for the F-35B/C, MQ-25A, and future air platforms. JPALS effort includes addressing broadened CyberSecurity requirements to remain compliant with software CyberSecurity directives and Information Assurance mandates. Remaining costs are associated with the completion of the test and support to fielded EDM units and to develop, test, and transition JPALS to use GPS M-Code. Additionally, costs are to enhance Precision Ship-Relative Navigation (PS-RN) for Navy and Marine Corps unmanned, and potentially manned, platforms, via the Landing Autonomous Navigation Technology for Enhanced Recovery to Navy Ships (LANTERNS) Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) and other system improvements.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (5)