Changes in Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) helicopter operations with the incorporation of the Global Positioning System

Until recently, U.S. Naval fleet helicopters have used a Doppler system as the primary means of over-water navigation. Reliable tactical navigation is essential to mission performance, but due to inaccuracies inherent to Doppler navigation systems, an excessive amount of aircrew compensation is required in order to accomplish the mission. With the incorporation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) as the primary navigation source, a significantly improved efficiency in completing the multiple missions of the fleet helicopter may be realized. Since GPS is a military system, the Department of Defense is aggressively pursuing GPS incorporation into all facets of military tactics and procedures. This paper addresses several methods of applying GPS and GPS related technology to improve the effectiveness of at-sea helicopter operations. The Thesis concludes that the NAVSTAR GPS is a navigation system that will be a definite force enhancer in military operations. With a minimum of additional monetary investment, the system has the potential to enhance shipboard approaches and improve helicopter operations in the anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and naval gunfire support missions.