Shipboard Relative GPS (SRGPS) Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

A readily available relative GPS navigation solution, via secure Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) data link, can provide significant enhancement to the conduct of shipboard air operations; which is not obtainable by other means. To provide these benefits, the Shipboard Relative Global Positioning System (SRGPS) is designed to support the full suite of Communication, Navigation, Surveillance, and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) functions required by military air-capable ships. This paper will describe the SRGPS Concept of Operations (CONOPS), highlighting important features that must be assured to enable use of relative GPS information for shipboard CNS/ATM services. For example, high integrity, and high continuity, are essential requirements that are not met by relative GPS systems designed for other tactical needs; but which must be met to produce a system that will be accepted and relied upon by aircrew and by ship air operations personnel. Each of the shipboard CNS/ATM functions will be described. Further, the SRGPS exhibits many similarities to, and important differences from, the CNS/ATM counterpart systems used in the civil community. These similarities and differences will be described in detail along with the various analyses used to develop and mature the SRGPS system requirements baseline relative to the CONOPS. One important requirement, the ability of the SRGPS to continue to operate in degraded modes, e.g., given the loss of ranging source availability, may be of particular interest to the community. Key application requirements for ship and aircraft usage are also presented.