Last week, Raytheon demonstrated the advanced capabilities of the Global Positioning System's Next Generation Operational Control System (GPS OCX) to key Defense Department and other stakeholders through a series of realistic operational demonstrations.

These demonstrations, which incorporated software that will be delivered with the Launch and Checkout System, validated how automation will improve system efficiency and effectiveness.

GPS OCX is the ground-based command and control system that will manage GPS satellites with significantly improved accuracy and precision, while providing unprecedented levels of cyber protection.

"These successful demonstrations incorporating actual GPS OCX software reflect Raytheon's significant and continuing progress on this program and the growing maturity of this very complex system," said Dave Wajsgras, president of Raytheon's Intelligence, Information and Services.

"Once delivered, this pathfinding, cyber-hardened ground system will significantly enhance the capabilities GPS brings to military, civil and commercial users worldwide," said Wajsgras.

The demonstration provided DoD and other stakeholders with a compelling look at how OCX will automate many tasks currently performed manually, resulting in reduced opportunities for error and increased operational tempo for delivering military and other applications. Raytheon demonstrated the benefits of OCX in providing new high-power, jam-resistant military signal known as M-Code, as well as the system's unprecedented cyber automation, detection and response capabilities.

Raytheon is currently installing the Block 0 Launch and Checkout System (LCS) hardware at Shriever Air Force Base. LCS software, which includes the cyber-hardened infrastructure for OCX Block 1, is in the qualification test phase and is on track for delivery in mid-2016.

The U.S. GPS system is the largest and most capable in the world. In addition to supporting defense and civil missions in air, land, sea and space, GPS is used by hundreds of millions of people around the world to enhance daily life activities such as personal navigation tools.

It's also required for industry and businesses and is essential to support safety-of-life applications such as air traffic control and emergency response. The modernized ground system will bring a wide range of new capabilities and precision to the GPS enterprise.