Word on the street is that the USMC is looking to upgrade their High Altitude High Opening parachute GPS navigation capability in 2012. We'll see if this holds true as budget cuts are coming like a Libyan revolution.
Sources say that the Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) put out the original statement of need with funding levels over one hundred million. As a former Operator and tax payer, it drives me crazy when I see requirements like this and know that other SOCOM units have other technologies and nobody appears to be working with each other on a joint solution.
I still remember my first HAHO training jump, frozen hands, numb legs and 30mph of forward airspeed does not make for a good landing...some lessons you just have to learn the hard way. Out here-Brandon
Requirements Review:
- The HAHO-PNS system will possess the following characteristics:
- Not interfere with operation of the Multi Mission Parachute System (MMPS)
- Compatible with the electromagnetic environment in which it will operate
- Accept input from the mission planning software used in the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS)
- Remain fully functional from HAHO insert altitudes of 25,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL)
- Operate over a temperature range from 40 F to 120F and withstand the thermal shock associated with exiting the aircraft at 25,000 feet MSL
- Withstand storage temperatures ranging from 0 F to 140 F
- Withstand the shock and vibrations experienced during operations and non-operational transportation
- Be resistant to corrosion, mildew, rain, moisture, sand and dust
- Have a display capable of mounting to both the Gentex Flier Goggles and the Gentex Blast Shield and the operator for the HAHO-PNS will be able to read the display in zero percent illumination, as well as full overhead sun conditions
- Display required mission data and this data must include azimuth, alt itude, ground speed, GPS status, and distance to the selected landing zone with a level of accuracy equal to or greater than the Defense Advanced Global Positioning System Receiver (DAGR)
- The battery source for the HAHO-PNS will be commercially available and have a minimum operating time of three and one half hours
- The HAHO-PNS Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver module and antennae will be Selective Availability/Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) compliant
- Have the ability to completely expunge all information in the event of compromise
- The mission data upload/download device must have the ability to receive mission planning data from a hardwire connection (laptop/notebook)
- The target weight is 0.5 lbs and the maximum allowable (NOT TO EXCEED WIEGHT) is 2.0 lbs.
- Be compatible and interoperable with the Parachutist Individual Equipment Kit (PIEK)
- Be capable of logging individual non-encrypted missions for after action review
- Have an embedded electronic compass and altimeter for back-up dead reckoning capability
- The electronic compass will be accurate to within 5 degrees and the electronic altimeter will be accurate to within 150 feet
