GPS Joint Program Office Grants L-3 Communications /Interstate Electronics Final Security Approval of their SAASM-based GPS Receiver
IEC is the first SAASM manufacturer to demonstrate compliance with all new requirements in the SAASM design
ANAHEIM, CA, – July 17, 2002 - Interstate Electronics Corporation (IEC), a wholly owned subsidiary of L-3 Communications Corporation, announced their Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM)-based Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers; X-Factor SAASM and TruTrak Projectiles, ERGM and XM982 GPS Receivers successfully completed a security review by the GPS Joint Program Office (JPO). IEC is the first SAASM manufacturer to demonstrate compliance with all new features inherent in the SAASM design. The GPS JPO ensures compliance of GPS security requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Defense.
The GPS JPO is responsible for controlling the development, production, sale and distribution of GPS security devices. IEC's classified system incorporates three functions: selective availability (SA), anti-spoofing (A-S), and cryptography, which are required for achieving Global Positioning System Precise Positioning Service (PPS) capability. IEC's GPS unit also includes the required Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM), a state-of-the-art electronic design utilizing the JPO and NSA approved Key Data Processor (KDP) II devices, and IEC's proprietary SAASM Code Block (SCB), all protected with tamper resistant coating. This coating, along with hardware and software embedded in the SAASM, helps to protect the GPS PPS security functions from unauthorized access or tampering, due to theft or loss of the unit.
"The JPO was very impressed with the SAASM Extended Function test results that IEC was able to demonstrate with our Projectile SAASM GPS Receiver and our Model 2450 Satellite Constellation Simulator, (SCS), that was upgraded to execute the GPS JPO’s SAASM Test Vectors," stated Paul Bricker, director of GPS Programs. "The JPO said that this was ‘a milestone event in SAASM history’ since IEC was the first manufacturer to demonstrate compliance with all the new features inherent in the SAASM design."
Based in Anaheim, CA, Interstate Electronics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of L-3 Communications Corporation, has been a long-term supplier of critical test instrumentation and missile tracking systems for the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) weapons systems, including the Trident submarine. The division is ranked as an industry leader in GPS receiver, translator, and Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) products, which are currently in use on multiple aircraft, cruise missiles and precision guided munitions. IEC produces ruggedized displays for both military and industrial applications. IEC also provides secure communications on a quick reaction basis for deployed forces in Eastern Europe. To learn more about IEC, please visit its web site at http://www.iechome.com/.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading merchant supplier of secure communications systems and products, avionics and ocean products, training products, microwave components and telemetry, instrumentation, space and wireless products. Its customers include the Department of Defense, selected U.S. government intelligence agencies, aerospace prime contractors and commercial telecommunications and wireless customers. To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company’s web site at http://www.l-3com.com/.
The SAASM assembly is a MultiChip Module (MCM) which contains the core logic devices for a P (Y) code GPS receiver. The SAASM along with RF down converter and I/O logic, forms the complete GPS receiver. The small form factor GPS design must survive gun shot acceleration forces exceeding 15,500Gs while maintaining exact performance requirements including precision timing to within 10 microseconds.
Safe Harbor Statement under Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company’s Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-looking Statements included in the company’s recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For more information, contact:
Greg Martz
Marketing Manager, Communications
Phone: (714) 758-4158