SR-71's "R2-D2" Could Be Key to Winning Future Fights in GPS Denied Environments
3 hours ago
- The U.S. military's heavy reliance on GPS is vulnerable to spoofing, jamming, and anti-satellite attacks, prompting a search for alternatives.
- Automated celestial navigation (astro-nav) was developed during the Cold War for systems like the Snark missile and SR-71 Blackbird, providing high accuracy by cross-checking inertial navigation with star positions.
- Modern astro-nav technology can be miniaturized using wide-angle staring sensors, potentially integrated into platforms like the F-35's Distributed Aperture System.
- A 'virtual GPS' concept using high-flying aircraft equipped with astro-nav could support tactical platforms and munitions in GPS-denied environments.
- The U.S. Navy is reviving celestial navigation training, and new automated astro-nav systems are being considered for ships and possibly land combat vehicles.