Raytheon supplied the first operational hardware for OCX, the next-generation ground control system for the Air Force’s GPS navigation satellites, announced the company. The equipment arrived at Schriever AFB, Colo., earlier this month, states the company’s May 14 release. Schriever will be home to the GPS OCX master control station. “Delivery and testing of the hardware represents a key milestone for the OCX program, as it supports next year’s acceptance of the OCX Launch and Checkout System for the GPS III satellites,” said Matt Gilligan, GPS OCX program manager. The next step is for OCX technicians to install and audit the equipment, paving the way for formal customer acceptance of LCS in early 2016, states the release. “With hardware in place, Raytheon is positioned to complete validation and testing of critical capabilities and cybersecurity protections ahead of the LCS acceptance milestone,” said Gilligan. In addition to the hardware delivery, Raytheon said it has developed and integrated the software for LCS.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.