JAMFEST - A Cost Effective Solution to GPS Vulnerability Testing

Lt Col Eric Lagier, Capt Desiree Craig, Paul Benshoof

46th Test Group, 871 DeZonia Ave, Holloman AFB, NM 88330.
746th Test Squadron, 1644 Vandergrift Rd, Holloman AFB, NM 88330.

DOI:                 

Abstract

From May 24-28, 2004, the 746th Test Squadron, located at Holloman Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico (NM), planned and executed an innovative Global Positioning System (GPS) jamming program at White Sands Missile Range, NM. This program, known as JAMFEST, was aimed at providing low to no cost, realistic, GPS jamming scenarios for testing GPS-based navigation systems, as well as, training personnel in unique GPS denied environments. Through sponsorship from the GPS Joint Program Office, White Sands Missile Range, and the 46th Test Group, the 746th Test Squadron was able to provide this opportunity at a significantly reduced cost to each participant. During JAMFEST, the 746th Test Squadron hosted twelve simultaneous, yet very diverse customers, including multi-service Department of Defense (DoD) organizations, several defense contractors, and civil organizations. Their objectives ranged from training personnel on the effects of GPS jamming to characterizing the performance of prototype advanced anti-jam technologies against operationally realistic threats. To accomplish these goals, participants drove, flew, or walked through 59 jamming scenarios specifically tailored to stress the systems under evaluation. These tests would have cost a total of $660,000 or more if conducted separately. However, JAMFEST achieved the same objectives for approximately $85,000 in available funds coupled with discounted or donated services totaling $175,000. This paper details overall test and participant objectives, strategies, conduct, and addresses future JAMFEST activities.

Keywords

JAMFEST, vulnerability, test, GPS

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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