Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems - Dem/Val

The Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) program, funded under Program Element PE 0603860N, is a Navy-led initiative focused on developing, integrating, and fielding advanced precision approach and landing capabilities for aircraft operating from CVN (aircraft carriers) and LHA/D (amphibious assault) ships. JPALS is designed to support both current and future manned and unmanned platforms, such as the F-35B, F-35C, MQ-25A, and other emerging aircraft, particularly those without legacy AN/SPN-46 Automatic Carrier Landing Systems (ACLS) capability. The primary objective is to ensure safe, reliable, and resilient launch and recovery operations in all weather conditions, including night and instrument flight, and in contested environments.

JPALS Ship Systems and Test Articles are a core focus, with ongoing development, integration, installation, and testing of the AN/USN-3(V)1 Satellite Signals Landing System (SSLS) aboard CVN and LHA/D ships. Efforts prioritize the development of M-Code capable Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) receivers, JPALS-capable receiver interfaces, and output requirements. Activities also include addressing system obsolescence and ensuring continued compliance with evolving cybersecurity directives and information assurance mandates. The goal is to provide a robust, GPS-based precision approach and auto-land capability for both legacy and future air platforms.

Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) F-35B/C Support Articles are dedicated to technical development, shore-based and ship-based support, and system certification for integrating JPALS with the F-35B (Marine Corps STOVL) and F-35C (Navy Carrier Variant) aircraft. This includes supporting developmental and operational test events, maintaining JPALS UHF Data Broadcast (UDB) operations, and ensuring the system is certified for all-weather precision approach capabilities during F-35 deployments. These efforts are critical for enabling advanced operational capabilities and supporting the expanding role of the F-35 in naval aviation.

MQ-25 Support Articles provide technical and laboratory support for the integration of JPALS with the MQ-25A unmanned aerial refueling aircraft. Activities include requirements identification, risk reduction, concept refinement, and the establishment of a JPALS system integration lab at Patuxent River for ship and shore-based testing. The objective is to ensure seamless integration and reliable autonomous recovery of MQ-25A in diverse operational environments, supporting both current missions and future expansion of unmanned capabilities.

Advanced Technology Integration Articles focus on transitioning new capabilities into the JPALS ship system requirements. Key objectives include the integration of the Landing Autonomous Navigation Technology for Enhanced Recovery to Navy Ships (LANTERNS) radio to transport JPALS data, and the implementation of an agnostic data link solution for GPS-based landing systems. These efforts involve creating performance specifications, interface control documents, and validating interfaces with the LANTERNS Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) radio system. JPALS air algorithms are being modified to utilize both P(Y) Code GPS data and M-Code aircraft data, enhancing precision navigation and approach capabilities.

JPALS Upgrade is a significant initiative that modifies existing shipboard JPALS installations to add agnostic data link and M-Code capability. This upgrade will deliver enhanced GPS-based precision approach and landing functionality in all weather and operational environments, supporting contested environment operations for manned and unmanned aircraft, including the Air Wing of the Future (AWOTF). Planned activities include awarding product development contracts, conducting system and subsystem design reviews, establishing requirements baselines, and preparing for preliminary design reviews. These efforts are intended to modernize shipboard systems and facilitate fleet deployment through retrofit kits.

The acquisition strategy for JPALS leverages joint development efforts between NAVAIRSYSCOM (PMA-213), USAF Electronic Systems Command, and industry partners, with an open system architecture to support integration across diverse aircraft and avionics platforms. Contracts for M-Code functionality and agnostic data link integration are planned with Collins Aerospace and other vendors. The program emphasizes engineering development, rigorous testing, and incremental upgrades, with fleet deployment facilitated through annual procurement and installation of retrofit kits.