New Rockwell Collins MicroDAGR GPS receiver for soldiers features latest commercial applications in a secure, lightweight system

Rockwell Collins today introduced its new MicroDAGR hand-held GPS receiver for soldiers. This latest-generation navigation device, which is a smaller version of Rockwell Collins’ highly successful Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR), brings together the best commercial technologies with the security needed to meet military requirements, and the durability needed to survive the most rugged battlefield conditions.

The announcement was made during the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington.

The MicroDAGR provides dismounted soldiers with real-time position, navigation, moving maps and timing information on a full-color touch screen display, and is small enough to be worn on the wrist, attached to a lanyard, or placed in a pocket. The receiver initially features L1 frequency capability, utilizing military only secure GPS signals with anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities. MicroDAGR is also equipped with the latest Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM)-based anti-jamming software.

Designed in response to feedback from soldiers in the field, the MicroDAGR also incorporates several new features including vibration alert, an MP3 player and a digital camera. These features will allow soldiers to record geo-rectified images of the battlefield for after-action review and analysis, listen to foreign language translations of important commands and phrases and get silent alerts from their MicroDAGR when they reach preprogrammed waypoints and/or danger areas.
                       
“The MicroDAGR represents a major step forward in delivering a small, lightweight, easy-to-use GPS receiver to the military,” said Bruce King, vice president and general manager of Surface Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “We can’t wait to get this innovative new system into the hands of our soldiers so they can be equipped with the latest technology for enhanced situational awareness, safety and security.”

The new system will be available for delivery in January 2010. The first deliveries of the MicroDAGR will go to the US Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF). Through the REF, the US Army will ensure that this important new soldier capability reaches the warfighters as quickly as possible.

Rockwell Collins continues to enhance its proven DAGR GPS system to address the needs of a wide variety of users. The company has delivered more than 300,000 DAGR units and more than 1.5 million accessories since it was selected by the Air Force for full-rate production in 2003. The DAGR is considered the military handheld GPS receiver standard for position, navigation and situational awareness.