Maxar Intelligence debuts drone tech that can beat GPS jammers
Maxar Intelligence, a leading geospatial intelligence firm, has announced a groundbreaking new product that has the capability to operate drones even in areas where the GPS signal has been jammed. This innovative technology is a game-changer in the age of unmanned vehicular warfare, cutting through modern defenses that rely on GPS signals.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine highlighted a unique problem where each military had learned how to jam the other’s GPS signals, leaving their drones flying blind. This challenge prompted Maxar to develop the Raptor system, a drone-guiding technology that does not rely on satellite signals from space.
Peter Wilczynski, chief product officer at Maxar, explained that the Raptor system provides drones with a 3D map of the world, allowing them to use this map to position themselves even in GPS-denied areas. This technology is a significant advancement in countering GPS-jamming technology and ensuring that drones can navigate and identify ground coordinates accurately.
The Raptor system utilizes Maxar’s vast collection of global 3D terrain data, enabling drones to navigate terrain and extract ground coordinates with exceptional accuracy. This software builds off a 3D representation of the terrain, providing precise navigation capabilities even at night and at altitudes of 120 meters.
Maxar’s Raptor technology has the potential to revolutionize battlefield technology, especially in GPS-denied regions where traditional GPS signals are unreliable. The company’s innovative approach to drone guidance has implications for both defense and commercial applications, as nations seek cutting-edge alternatives to GPS signal for various purposes.
The threat of GPS jamming is not limited to conflict zones but also extends to everyday life in the U.S. Financial systems, emergency services, and air traffic could all face severe disruptions without access to satellite systems. Maxar’s Raptor technology offers a solution to this pressing challenge, providing a reliable alternative for navigating in GPS-denied environments.
In a rapidly evolving landscape where adversaries like China and Russia are developing anti-satellite capabilities, the need for innovative solutions like Raptor is more critical than ever. Maxar’s commitment to advancing geospatial intelligence technology ensures that nations across the globe have access to cutting-edge tools for defense and commercial applications.
