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XXIX- GPS SATELLITES & THE PRECISION CODE (P-CODE)

Discussion:

As stated, the main problem with the loss of the flight data recorders when lost from radar

lies in fact that the present day flight recorder precise location is not known. If its precise

location was known, then emergency responders could determine the exact location of the

device by its precise GPS coordinates.

Thus it follows that implementing a precise GPS receiver as part of the technology update

would indeed be beneficial in terms of locating the physical black box from this receiver, and

this information could be automatically or subsequently transmitted to first responders, or

provided on demand upon an inquiry to the wireless invention.

Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites broadcast microwave signals to enable GPS

receivers on or near the Earth's surface to determine location and synchronized time. The

GPS system itself is operated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for use by both the

military and the general public.

This invention focus mainly on military GPS which uses precision code or the p-code.

GPS signals include ranging signals, used to measure the distance to the satellite, and

navigation messages. The navigation messages include ephemeris data, used to calculate

the position of each satellite in orbit, and information about the time and status of the entire

satellite constellation, called the almanac.

The p-code is generally used in military applications along for computing the precise

location of particular entity or object or place on earth.

Using precision accuracy within the black box would afford investigators the capability

of knowing the precise location of the black box, and thus the location of the aircraft.

Docket No. : Ticket 2180/215 24