SH-3 helicopter/global positioning system integration analysis.

The Global Positioning System (GPS), the transmitted navigational signal, and the overall acquisition approach are explained. Navigational receiver components are functionally described and the hierarchy of platform integration and capability is discussed. Specifically explored is the integration of GPS into the Sikorsky SH-3 Helicopter. Performance comparisons of the medium versus high dynamic receiver, based solely on preliminary simulation data, indicate that at this time the medium dynamic receiver is the optimum configuration. Elimination of the doppler radar in lieu of the five channel receiver would only be possible after through over-water testing of the high dynamic set. The actual velocity accuracy of GPS receivers in a hovering helicopter is the main question yet to be answered. The overall mission effectiveness of the GPS equipped SH-3 Helicopter should be significantly improved because of an accurate, stand-alone navigation system. (Author)