As the JNC Program Sponsor, Kearfott leads the conversation on resilient PNT solutions, sharing thought leadership through four expert-led sessions.

Kearfott Corporation is proud to be a Lead Sponsor at the 2025 Joint Navigation Conference (JNC), the premier U.S. military Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) event. Held from June 3-6, 2025 in Covington, KY, JNC brings together experts from across the defense and aerospace sectors. Kearfott will have a prominent presence with an updated display at Booth 315 and will present four sessions on cutting-edge PNT solutions.

The theme of JNC 2025 is “Robust, Resilient, Assured PNT for Warfighters and Homeland Defense,” aligning with Kearfott’s mission to provide advanced, resilient navigation technologies. Join us for the following sessions at the conference:

Session 1: Navigation System Development with Model-Based Approach

• When: Monday, June 2^nd, 2:10 PM
• Speaker: Eric Katzen, Kearfott Corporation

Session 2: Harnessing Celestial Technology to Assure PNT and Build Resilience in GPS-Degraded/Denied Scenarios

• When: Tuesday, June 3, 9:35 AM
• Speakers: Karen Xu (Kearfott) & Michael Kranz (EngeniusMicro)
• Overview: Explore Kearfott’s GCPS, which combines celestial navigation and existing technologies to provide accurate, reliable positioning even in GPS-denied environments.

Session 3: Integrating Visual Navigation with Inertial Sensors for GPS-Denied Environments on Land and Air

• When: Tuesday, June 3, 4:25 PM
• Speakers: Kanwar Singh (Skyline Nav AI), Karen Xu & Bhumit Patel (Kearfott)
• Overview: Learn how combining visual navigation algorithms with inertial sensors enhances positioning accuracy in GPS-deprived environments, from urban canyons to dense forests.

Session 4: Kearfott Embraces PYRAMID Reference Architecture and MBSE Development

• When: Wednesday, June 4, 1:50 PM
• Speaker: Gurpreet Singh Bawa (Kearfott)
• Overview: Discover how Kearfott is integrating the PYRAMID Reference Architecture (PRA) into its Next-Generation Navigation System (NxNAV) to ensure interoperability, scalability, and resilience in complex environments.

Session 5: Lessons Learned in Model-Based Software Development for Open-Architecture Deployment

• When: Wednesday, June 4, 2:50 PM
• Speaker: Jacqueline Pezzicola (Kearfott)
• Overview: Dive into Kearfott’s experience with model-based software development for open-architecture systems, highlighting its flexibility and rapid deployment advantages.

Visit Kearfott at Booth 315

Stop by Booth 315 to explore Kearfott’s latest innovations in PNT and learn how our company is shaping the future of navigation technologies for defense, air, land, and maritime applications.

Join us at JNC 2025 to see how Kearfott is driving the next generation of resilient, adaptable PNT systems!

Successful flights demonstrate R-EGI’s modular open systems architecture PNT capabilities.

By Dr. Mikel Miller, Matthew Jonas, Dennis M. Miller, Dr. Robert Leishman IS4S, Major Bernard Mutz AFCMC
November 18, 2024 (Inside GNSS)

The Resilient-Embedded GPS/INS (R-EGI) program achieved a major milestone in advancing the resilient and robust positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) vision. The government-owned R-EGI open architecture, integrated into a modified line replaceable unit (LRU) designed for the F-16, successfully completed three comprehensive test flights in August and one test flight in October at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. Flown on a specially outfitted C-12J aircraft, the R-EGI system successfully demonstrated the open architecture and showed exceptional functional performance, maintaining precise positioning and orientation throughout each flight.

“These successful test flights mark a significant advancement in PNT technology and validate the capabilities of the R-EGI system,” said Major Bernard Mutz, AFLCMC/WNX R-EGI program manager. “Our team’s hard work and dedication have led to this remarkable achievement, underscoring our commitment to enhancing navigation systems critical to modern military operations.”

In less than eight months, the R-EGI Rapid Prototype Flight Demonstration Team—comprised of personnel from Integrated Solutions for Systems (IS4S), Kearfott Corporation, General Dynamics-Mission Systems (GD-MS), Collins Aerospace, 746 Test Squadron (746 TS) and 586 Flight Test Squadron (586 FLTS)—successfully conducted flight evaluations on the 586 FLTS C-12J aircraft. These test flights mark a significant step forward in evaluating the R-EGI architecture for the core program, which is poised to enhance the accuracy and reliability of navigation systems critical for modern military operations. The success of these test flights highlights the system’s readiness to deliver cutting-edge capabilities to future warfighters.

“The integration of R-EGI architecture into the F-16 LRU has demonstrated impressive results, reflecting our commitment to pushing the boundaries of PNT technology,” said Dr. Mikel Miller, R-EGI program director at IS4S. “The data collected during these flights will be crucial for refining and optimizing the system to meet future operational demands.”

R-EGI Program: An Open Modular Approach to Robust PNT Solutions

The R-EGI program is being accomplished through a novel development process, using IS4S as the design agent, performing a best-of-breed development strategy involving many company partners. The program is developing production representative units for evaluation purposes, and more importantly, a Level-3 Technical Data Package (TDP) that the U.S. Air Force will own and make available to qualified vendors to produce these “build to print” systems.

The R-EGI is a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) designed to deliver robust and reliable PNT capabilities for U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) vehicles. R-EGI is inherently flexible, allowing it to adapt to various platforms while supporting future upgrades to stay ahead of emerging threats. Its layered open architecture, guided by a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach, ensures broad applicability of interfaces, accommodates changes in sensors and algorithms as adversary capabilities evolve, maintains the rigor necessary for reuse across platforms, and manages production variation effectively. To stay ahead of emerging threats, R-EGI provides on-ramp for complementary sources of PNT, such as cameras, magnetometers, radars and LiDARs.

Key features of the R-EGI system architecture and management capabilities include:

• Implementation of open VPX system management in compliance with VITA 46.11
• Complete and consistent separation of safety and non-safety data across programs.
• Line-replaceable unit (LRU) design and prototyping that supports multiple form factors and vehicle interfaces.
• Development of safety-critical software in accordance with RTCA/DO-178B/C and MIL-STD-882E safety standards.
• Development of mission-critical software across various programs, including weapon control systems, mission computers, missile guidance systems, communication networks, and ground-based PNT systems.
• Open-system software and application environments implemented in multiple programs.

The R-EGI program enhances PNT resilience by establishing a Government Reference Architecture (GRA), fostering industry and government engagement and design sources, and facilitating rapid integration of new hardware and software. This collaborative approach seeks to develop and evolve a robust PNT architecture, set standards, and deploy systems integration laboratories (SIL), while enabling timely and cost-effective capability insertion. Encouraging third-party software applications and complementary PNT hardware marks a significant paradigm shift in DOD PNT programs, ensuring sustained PNT superiority and a swift response to new threats.

Key Components of the Demonstration Units

The R-EGI demonstration was underpinned by a suite of critical components essential for validating the system’s functional performance in support of the R-EGI core program:

Large form factor (LFF) modified F-16 LRUs: These units under test produced by General Dynamics-Mission Systems (Figure 1), predecessors to the production representative prototype, contained the R-EGI architecture Safety Critical Navigation (SCNAV) subsystem from Kearfott Corp, an IMU from Kearfott Corp, a Mission Capability Navigation (MCNAV) subsystem from GD-MS/IS4S and a M-Code Global Navigation Satellite System Receiver (GNSSR) from Collins Aerospace. In addition, a Trimble Force 28M GPS M-Code receiver was quickly integrated into the LFF Demo Unit and performed exceptionally well during the fourth flight.

Figure 2 shows the R-EGI hardware subsystems.

Chassis: Includes the R-EGI mechanical enclosure, external connectors, power supply module, GPS maintenance battery, maintenance battery indicator (optional), transition board(s), mechanical hardware for mounting R-EGI subsystems, and routing of electrical signals between R-EGI subsystems via an open VPX backplane and internal cabling.

SCNAV subsystem: Responsible for the safety critical PNT solution, attitude outputs, primary host platform interfaces, and control of the GNSSR and IMU. The R-EGI architecture delineates safety critical processing and interfaces from other processing. This subsystem, in conjunction with the chassis, IMU and GNSSR, forms a classical EGI.

IMU subsystem: A high-performance IMU used to meet the navigation, guidance and control applications of the R-EGI System. The main function of the IMU is to measure, process and report specific forces/accelerations and angular rates using a combination of accelerometers and ring-laser gyroscopes under all operational conditions and vehicle maneuvers. The IMU subsystem provides this data to the SCNAV and MCNAV subsystems that then calculate attitude, angular rates, linear velocity, and position relative to a global reference frame.

GNSSR and Force 28M receiver subsystem: Responsible for providing a robust CA/Y/M Code GPS solution along with raw measurements for SCNAV and MCNAV processing. The GNSSR subsystem also hosts a Galileo Open Service mezzanine that provides additional GNSS measurements to the MCNAV subsystem.

MCNAV subsystem: Responsible for providing the “resilience” of R-EGI using modular and open software that can be rapidly updated to perform complementary PNT functionality with existing and new sensor measurements using a government-owned architecture, pntOS and ASPN23 messages. MCNAV does not perform any safety critical functions but enables mission fulfillment in challenging environments through the use of additional PNT sources. The MCNAV subsystem also provides/implements the R-EGI resilient and precise timing architecture and is responsible for maintenance related functions including Built-In Test (BIT), data recording, data transfers and reprogramming.

The following support systems were essential elements to support the flight test but are not part of the R-EGI LRU.

Ground test bench—flight systems: This infrastructure supported and controlled the system during both ground and airborne demonstrations.

On-Logic PC controllers: Managed the system’s operations and data collection.

Mission capable development systems (DS) with u-blox technology: This system provided complementary position, velocity and time (PVT) solutions and captured essential data for analysis.

Flight rack: Built by the 746 TS to house dual redundant systems, including LRUs, DS, system status displays, and data collection storage, meeting vibration and decompression requirements for the C-12J (Figure 3)

Preparation for C-12J Flight Demonstration

Prior to the C-12J flight demonstrations, the R-EGI demonstration units underwent extensive preparation. The system was rigorously tested through several phases, including lab testing and testing on IS4S and Kearfott vans (Figure 4) and the 746 TS large test vehicle (LTV). In addition, R-EGI DU flew on two commercial aircraft ride-share opportunities with Kearfott. This comprehensive infrastructure and thorough preparation were critical to the success of the demonstration and ensured our readiness for the C-12J demonstration flights. We also developed attitude and moving map displays providing real-time feedback for the engineers and flight test engineers to quickly assess functional performance.

Final pre-flight evaluations included:

746 TS vibration and rapid decompression testing: The R-EGI hardware, housed in the 746 TS flight rack, successfully underwent vibration testing to simulate operational conditions aboard the C-12J, assessing its resilience against mechanical stress (Figure 6). Rapid decompression tests evaluated the system’s response to sudden pressure changes, confirming its robustness in varied environments (Figure 7).

746 TS ground mobile sorties: Using the 746 TS LTV (Figure 8) at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), the team achieved an impressive feat by collecting more than four hours of continuous PVT data each day. This extensive data collection verified the readiness and functional performance of the R-EGI Demonstration Units for integration into the C-12J.

“A small, agile team using rapid prototyping techniques, quickly matured R-EGI core functionality culminating in a successful flight demonstration,” said Matthew Jonas, IS4S chief engineer for the R-EGI Rapid Prototype Flight Demo. “The incremental lab, vehicle and commercial aircraft testing ensured issues were quickly uncovered and corrected; and substantiated the system’s readiness for the C-12J flight environment.”

Successful Demonstration Flights

The 746 TS flight test engineers developed diverse flight profiles testing the functional performance of the R-EGI architecture implementation under various conditions. During the August flights, the C-12J conducted two days of dynamic, high-intensity flight operations at WSMR, focusing on blended (M-Code/IMU) and M-Code solutions (Figure 9). One day featured a cross-country flight designed to assess inertial system performance. The fourth flight conducted in October demonstrated how R-EGI’s open architecture enabled integrating Trimble’s “off-the-shelf” Force 28M GPS receiver in less than four weeks.

WSMR profiles included standard taxiing, takeoff and climbs into designated airspace, followed by maneuvers such as level acceleration and deceleration, constant airspeed descents and climbs, and bank turns up to 60 degrees. “Rollercoaster maneuvers” simulated dynamic flight conditions to test the system’s performance under high-stress scenarios. The cross-country flight involved navigating between predetermined waypoints, investigating drift, and assessing navigation capabilities against expected outcomes to guide further refinement of the R-EGI core program (Figure 10).

“Our flight profiles were designed to rigorously test every aspect of the R-EGI system,” said Capt Gordon McCulloh, flight test engineer with the 746 TS. “The variety of maneuvers and conditions we employed provided invaluable insights into the system’s functional performance.”

Outcomes of the Demonstration

The aircraft demonstration successfully validated the R-EGI system’s integration and functionality in real-world conditions. The test flights confirmed the system’s capability to provide:

Blended M-Code GPS/IMU solutions: Demonstrated enhanced accuracy through integration of GPS and inertial measurement unit (IMU) data.

M-Code GPS-only solutions: Validated the system’s functional performance using solely M-Code GPS data.

IMU-only solutions: Tested the effectiveness of using IMU data alone.

MCNAV solutions: Confirmed MCNAV functional performance using government-owned plug-in architecture, pntOS and the ASPN23 common data structure for PNT systems.

Additionally, the demonstration evaluated mission-capable PVT solutions, aircraft attitude output, and integration with the aircraft environment, including bore-sighting accuracy. Flights over cross-country routes and within WSMR airspace provided valuable insights into the system’s reliability, accuracy and overall performance in various operational scenarios in support of R-EGI core development.

“The demonstration clearly showcased the R-EGI system’s robust capabilities and its potential to meet future operational needs,” said Lt Col Juan Ramirez, AFLCM/WNX AV, materiel leader, Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) Branch. “The data collected will be instrumental in guiding the system’s development and ensuring it provides superior navigation and timing solutions.”

Training and Operational Readiness

The demonstration also served as a critical training platform for personnel (Figure 11). The test flights provided an opportunity for team members to gain hands-on experience with the system’s operations, monitoring and fault recovery procedures. This training is crucial for ensuring the technology can be effectively used and personnel are well-prepared for its deployment in future missions.

“Training on the R-EGI system has been an invaluable experience for our team,” said Lt Col Jonathon Gipson, 746 TS Commander. “It’s crucial that our team is well-prepared for any situation, and these flights have provided us with the practical skills needed to ensure the system’s successful deployment.”

Looking Ahead

The successful completion of the R-EGI architecture test flights represents a significant advancement in PNT technology. The insights gained from these demonstrations are set to play a key role in refining and enhancing the R-EGI system, paving the way for more open, resilient and capable navigation solutions. As the R-EGI design agent team continues its work, the contributions of the R-EGI system promises to greatly enhance the precision and effectiveness of military operations for years to come.

“The progress we’ve made with the R-EGI system underscores our dedication to advancing military technology,” concluded Colonel Jonathan Varoli, AFLCMC/WX, senior materiel leader, Combat Avionics. “We are excited about the future and the role this system will play in ensuring our forces remain at the cutting edge of precision navigation and timing.”

Upcoming Events

The R-EGI program has several scheduled events in 2025 that are set to advance navigation technology.

In the first quarter, the program plans to conduct a complementary PNT flight demonstration. This involves executing an off-the-shelf vision navigation algorithm in the R-EGI MCNAV solution during a GNSS-denied flight test. In the second quarter, R-EGI Functional Engineering Units will be produced for integration into aircraft SILs.

An advanced receiver and beam-steering antenna demonstration with R-EGI MCNAV will take place at NAVFEST25, hosted by the 746 TS at WSMR. This event will showcase advancements in navigation technology operating in GNSS-denied environments.

R-EGI Functional Equivalent Units (FEU), which provide a high-fidelity engineering model to support R-EGI integration into a virtual laboratory environment, will be available in the second quarter, and R-EGI production representative units (PRUs) will be available. Functional qualification testing (FQT) will be available in the fourth quarter.

Overall, 2025 features a series of events aimed at progressing the R-EGI program and its associated technologies.

Authors

Dr. Mikel Miller is currently the senior vice president for PNT with IS4S and the overall R-EGI program director. Formerly, he was the United States Air Force’s senior scientist for PNT and has more than 40 years of international experience educating, researching, developing, testing and producing PNT technologies for air, ground, and autonomous systems.

Matthew Jonas has more than 38 years in the defense industry. He performed multiple roles including technology area director, program manager, capture manager, chief engineer, principal investigator, field service engineer, and systems engineer. He attained the engineering fellow position and received multiple technical contribution awards. Prior to leaving Raytheon, he was the R-EGI GNSSR module chief engineer (CE). He then joined IS4S and recently was the rapid prototype flight CE, leading a multi-company team accomplishing R-EGI’s first flight.

Dennis M. Miller brings more than 45 years of experience with the Department of Defense, including 25 years in the U.S. Air Force and 13 years as a government civilian. Throughout his career, he has held diverse roles in operational, acquisition and sustainment areas. Most recently, he worked with the Aerospace Corporation as the site lead for the Nuclear Operations Directorate. Currently, he supports various programs for IS4S and is program manager for Rapid Prototype Flight Demonstration.

Dr. Robert Leishman is the PNT area lead with IS4S and the mission capability navigation (MCNAV) IPT lead for the Resilient Embedded GPS and INS (R-EGI) program. Formerly, he was director of the Autonomy and Navigation Technology (ANT) Center at the Air Force Institute of Technology. There, Dr. Leishman led a team of researchers and students in developing cutting-edge, defense-focused autonomy and navigation technologies, primarily for sUAVs.
Major Bernard Mutz is currently the Resilient-EGI program manager with the Air Force Cycle Management Center Digital Directorate. He has 19 years of military experience in program management, maintenance, and operational support.

by Michael Hlavaty with contributions from Dennis Miller

Earlier this year, Kearfott led the way with the first test flight demonstrating the architecture of the U.S. Air Force R-EGI program, Resilient-Embedded GPS/INS (Inertial Navigation System). The core components of this system are Kearfott’s Next Generation Inertial Measurement Unit (NxIMU) and Safety Critical Navigation Processor.

USAF and IS4S representatives visited the Kearfott headquarters in Pine Brook, New Jersey, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, to recognize the Kearfott team for their critical role in the successful test flight. The team was presented with a plaque and flag flown onboard the groundbreaking test flight.

Dr. Mikel Miller, IS4S Sr. Vice President PNT (Precision Navigation and Timing), thanked Kearfott for support in leading the first flight test demonstrating R-EGI. Dr. Miller presented a commemorative plaque and addressed the Kearfott employees. He stated, “What a blessing to be with you in this amazing facility and have the opportunity to thank the entire Kearfott team for your outstanding support in achieving the first flight of the R-EGI architecture! Your dedication, agility, speed, and hard work have truly made a difference. This milestone not only propels us forward but also sets the stage for delivering groundbreaking capabilities to our warfighters. When industry and government join forces, we can unleash incredible results at lightning speed. Once again, thank you for being an essential part of this achievement!”

Maj. Bernard J. Mutz (USAF), R-EGI Program Manager, PNT Program Office remarked, “It was truly an unbelievable experience witnessing firsthand the professional and technical experience possessed by the Kearfott team. When John Stanfill told us we’d be flying a Kearfott safety-critical card in the R-EGI architecture in under six months, I couldn’t believe it. But you’ve made me a true believer! I can’t express enough gratitude for the incredible effort your team has put in. The warfighter is definitely taking notice, and this capability is set to be a game changer! Thank you for paving the way to deliver cutting-edge capabilities to the warfighter!”

Kearfott’s work on the R-EGI program continues to make rapid progress and is paving the way for an urgent warfighter need to navigate in GPS-denied environments.

HOLLOMAN AFB, NEW MEXICO – August 20-22, 2024 – The Resilient-Embedded GPS/INS (R-EGI) architecture has achieved another major milestone with its successful flight testing on a military C-12J test aircraft. This breakthrough in Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technology promises to redefine precision and reliability in complex navigation environments.

“Navigating through challenging terrains or densely populated urban areas with unwavering accuracy is now a step closer to reality, thanks to the R-EGI system”, stated Dr. Mikel Miller, Integrated Solutions for Systems (IS4S) R-EGI Program Director. “By integrating advanced GPS positioning with sophisticated inertial sensors and other complementary PNT technologies, R-EGI offers continuous, precise navigation even when traditional GPS signals are compromised, obstructed, or denied. This capability is vital for a wide range of applications, including military operations, autonomous vehicles, and disaster response scenarios.”

The government-owned R-EGI open architecture demonstrated its exceptional potential during a series of rigorous flight tests from August 20-22, 2024, at Holloman AFB, NM. In less than eight months, the R-EGI Design Agent Rapid Prototype Flight Demonstration Industry and Government Team consisting of personnel from IS4S, Kearfott Corporation, General Dynamics-Mission Systems, Collins Aerospace, 746th Test Squadron (746 TS), and 586th Flight Test Squadron (586 FLTS) successfully conducted three flights on the 586 FLTS C-12J aircraft to support the core R-EGI program. Mounted aboard this specially equipped aircraft, the R-EGI system integrated into a modified F-16 Line Replaceable Unit on a 746 TS flight rack demonstrated its ability to maintain precise positioning and orientation throughout the flight duration. These flights included a demanding range of dynamic and aggressive flight operations on the White Sands Missile Range, with one cross-country flight specifically designed to evaluate Kearfott’s inertial measurement unit functional performance.

According to Dr. Miller, “These milestone flights validated R-EGI’s hardware and software architecture, showcasing its resilience and accuracy and will redefine navigation solutions for the modern era.”

“The successful demonstration of the R-EGI system is a testament to the dedication and innovation of the R-EGI Design Agent Rapid Prototype Flight Demonstration Team,” said Major Bernard Mutz, AFLCMC/WNX R-EGI Program Manager. “We not only met but exceeded all objectives ahead of schedule, showcasing the R-EGI architecture’s potential to revolutionize navigation technology.”

The R-EGI system’s success marks a significant advancement in ensuring precise and reliable PNT capabilities under even the most challenging conditions. As the technology progresses, it holds the promise of transforming how military, and potentially civilian applications, manage complex PNT tasks.

Glenn Rolader, IS4S President and CEO, concluded that, “Success in aerospace innovation is built on collaboration and shared vision. The R-EGI system’s groundbreaking achievement highlights the power of the System Design Agent concept, demonstrating that when industry and government partners unite their expertise and resources under this innovative model, we can overcome the most formidable challenges and redefine the future of technology.”

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About IS4S

Integrated Solutions for Systems, Inc. (IS4S) is a small business that provides a wide range of engineering and management solutions to government, military, and commercial customers. Founded in 2008, IS4S is a trusted System Design Agent specializing in open systems architectures, software development, systems engineering and integration, computational physics, additive manufacturing, and production. IS4S is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama with office locations in Auburn and Opelika, Alabama; Orlando, Niceville, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Atlanta and Warner Robins, Georgia; Dayton, Ohio; Slidell, Louisiana; Aberdeen, Maryland; and Washington DC.

About Kearfott Corporation

Kearfott Corporation is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of guidance, navigation, and motion-control components and systems for military and commercial markets. Kearfott is a wholly owned subsidiary of Astronautics Corporation of America, a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of avionics equipment and systems for the military and commercial aerospace industry. For more information on Kearfott’s innovative solutions and proven technologies visit www.kearfott.com.

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PINE BROOK, NEW JERSEY – July 24, 2024 – Kearfott Corporation, a leading developer and manufacturer of guidance, navigation, and motion control systems, is proud to announce a strategic alliance with Skyline Nav AI, Inc., a pioneer in visual position and navigation technology. This collaboration aims to jointly produce cutting-edge position and navigation systems that integrate Kearfott’s renowned inertial sensors with Skyline Nav AI’s innovative computer vision technology.

“Skyline Nav AI’s goal to provide a computer vision powered navigation system aligns perfectly with Kearfott’s expertise in inertial guidance systems,” said Kanwar Singh, CEO of Skyline Nav AI. “Together, we will deliver highly accurate and reliable GPS-independent navigation solutions that address the critical needs of our customers across multiple domains, including military, aerospace, and commercial markets.”
The companies will focus on developing integrated systems that leverage the strengths of both their technologies. By combining Kearfott’s inertial sensors with Skyline Nav AI’s visual positioning systems, the joint solutions will offer unparalleled accuracy and reliability, enhancing operational effectiveness in GPS-denied or degraded environments.

“Kearfott’s legacy of excellence in inertial navigation, paired with Skyline Nav AI’s cutting-edge visual navigation technology, sets the stage for the development of transformational innovations that will enhance the capabilities of position and navigation systems,” said Kearfott President John Stanfill. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving demands of our customers.”

Kearfott Corporation, founded in 1918 and now a wholly owned subsidiary of Astronautics Corporation of America, has a rich history of delivering high-precision guidance and navigation solutions across military and commercial sectors. Kearfott’s products have been integral to navigation and control systems in diverse environments, from deep sea to outer space. With operations in New Jersey, North Carolina, and Mexico, Kearfott has produced over 100,000 inertial systems and more than 4 million precision components.

Skyline Nav AI is at the forefront of revolutionizing navigation in challenging environments where GPS signals are unreliable or unavailable. Utilizing advanced computer vision algorithms and reference datasets, Skyline Nav AI provides accurate positioning solutions for a wide range of applications, including mobile navigation, ground vehicles, drones, and space vehicles. Skyline Match AI technology offers a dependable alternative to GPS, capable of operating in urban canyons and detecting GPS spoofing.

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About Kearfott Corporation

Kearfott Corporation is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of guidance, navigation, and motion-control components and systems for military and commercial markets. Kearfott is a wholly owned subsidiary of Astronautics Corporation of America, a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of avionics equipment and systems for the military and commercial aerospace industry. For more information on Kearfott’s innovative solutions and proven technologies visit www.kearfott.com.

About Skyline Nav AI, Inc.

Skyline Nav AI’s mission is to provide a superior alternative to GPS in areas it cannot reach and augment GPS where it fails. Its Skyline Match AI product enables localization with remarkable accuracy, ensuring operations remain competitive, safe, and resilient without relying on GPS, cellular, or Wi-Fi connectivity. The company is backed by US Air Force, NASA, US Army, SXSW 2024, Draper Labs, Army Research Lab (ARL), MIT, Cornell University, NGA, MassChallenge, Creative Destruction Lab, FedTech, National Science Foundation and other customers/partners. For more information about Skyline Nav AI and its innovations, visit www.skylinenav.com.

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Employee survey responses on diverse topics drove the esteemed rankings

PINE BROOK, NEW JERSEY – July 18, 2024 –

Kearfott Corporation has proudly earned recognition as one of the 2024 Best Places to Work in New Jersey by NJBIZ and among the Best Employers in North Carolina by Business North Carolina magazine. These accolades are based on surveys conducted among employees at the company’s headquarters in Pine Brook, New Jersey, and their facility in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

“Cultivating a workplace where our team feels valued and inspired is fundamental to Kearfott’s mission. Being recognized as one of the best places to work in both New Jersey and North Carolina underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity,” said Kearfott President John Stanfill. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and talent of our employees who drive Kearfott’s success and embody our values every day.”

In Pine Brook, the Guidance & Navigation Division operates from a state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing facility employing approximately 200 dedicated professionals. They were named among 42 esteemed organizations in the competitive large business category.

In North Carolina, Kearfott achieved a notable third-place ranking in the extra-large employer category, which included businesses with over 300 employees. The Motion Systems Division in Black Mountain, operational since 1955, employs more than 400 individuals.

“We are proud to be considered a best employer in North Carolina,” said Vice President and General Manager for Kearfott’s Motion Systems Division Darryl Woods. “It’s gratifying to know our employees feel that Kearfott is a great place to work, and we appreciate all that they do.”

The best places to work award programs are dedicated to identifying and recognizing the area’s best employers and provide organizations with valuable employee feedback. Employees and their employers are polled on dozens of topics, from recruiting practices to recognition programs.

North Carolina award recipients were recognized at a gala on June 13. Several employees attended and one distinguished individual, Katie Cline from Human Resources, received the Workplace Hero award for her unwavering commitment to the Kearfott employees. NJBIZ will reveal their No. 1 employer and honor awardees during the Best Places to Work awards ceremony planned for Sept. 26.

Guidance & Navigation Division employees in Pine Brook, NJ

Motion Systems Division employees in Black Mountain, NC

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About Kearfott Corporation

Kearfott Corporation is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of guidance, navigation, and motion-control components and systems for military and commercial markets. Kearfott is a wholly owned subsidiary of Astronautics Corporation of America, a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of avionics equipment and systems for the military and commercial aerospace industry. For more information on Kearfott’s innovative solutions and proven technologies: www.kearfott.com.

Download a PDF copy of this release here

PINE BROOK, NEW JERSEY – May 30, 2024 – In a groundbreaking series of demonstrations conducted May 27-30, 2024, the Resilient-Embedded GPS/INS (R-EGI) architecture proved its potential to redefine navigation solutions for resiliency in the modern era. “R-EGI is designed to excel in the most challenging environments,” said Capt Ben Mutz, AFLCMC/WNX R-EGI Program Manager. “It integrates cutting-edge complementary positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies with legacy GPS and inertial navigation systems (INS), promising unmatched accuracy and reliability under any operational condition.”

The journey of R-EGI commenced on May 27 with an extensive ground demonstration, where the system was rigorously exercised during a Kearfott van trip from Pine Brook, NJ to Stafford, VA.

On May 28, R-EGI completed its inaugural flight aboard a BE-55 aircraft located at Stafford Regional Airport, demonstrating positioning and orientation throughout the flight. Over the following days, from May 29-30, R-EGI underwent additional test flights, each contributing valuable data to further validate the architecture’s functionality. These flights underscored R-EGI’s status as a cutting-edge navigation technology poised to set new standards in the industry.

Kearfott Corporation led these collaborative demonstrations, bringing together expertise and resources from Integrated Solutions for Systems (IS4S), General Dynamics Mission Systems, and Collins Aerospace. “These initial ground and flight tests provided crucial insights into R-EGI’s functional performance across diverse terrains and environmental variables, setting the stage for subsequent USAF field and airborne trials,” said Kearfott president, John Stanfill.

The next pivotal phase for R-EGI is slated for August 2024, featuring demonstrations aboard the 586th Test Squadron’s C-12 aircraft at Holloman AFB, NM which aim to further validate the R-EGI architecture and verify its functional performance in new operational scenarios. According to Dennis Miller, IS4S R-EGI demo director, “excitement is palpable as R-EGI continues to push boundaries and establish itself as a benchmark in navigation technology.”

R-EGI represents not just a technological leap forward, but a paradigm shift in navigation capabilities. “Looking ahead, the successful series of inaugural flights mark a significant stride towards a future where navigation is synonymous with reliability and resilience in every journey,” added Dr. Mikel Miller, IS4S R-EGI program director. “As the Department of Defense continues to innovate and expand the horizons of navigation possibilities, R-EGI stands at the forefront where resilience meets reliability, and the future of navigation begins.”

As proven by these successful demonstrations, R-EGI provides a robust solution for navigating challenging environments where traditional GPS systems may falter. The integration of complementary PNT, GPS, and INS technologies in an open, agile, and digital government-owned environment is setting a new standard for developing and integrating reliability, robustness, and resiliency in navigation systems.

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About IS4S

Integrated Solutions for Systems, Inc. (IS4S) is a small business that provides a wide range of engineering and management solutions to government, military, and commercial customers. Founded in 2008, IS4S is a trusted System Design Agent specializing in open systems architectures, software development, systems engineering and integration, computational physics, additive manufacturing, and production. IS4S is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama with office locations in Auburn and Opelika, Alabama; Orlando, Niceville, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Atlanta and Warner Robins, Georgia; Dayton, Ohio; Slidell, Louisiana; Aberdeen, Maryland; and Washington DC.

About Kearfott Corporation

Kearfott Corporation is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of guidance, navigation, and motion-control components and systems for military and commercial markets. Kearfott is a wholly owned subsidiary of Astronautics Corporation of America, a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of avionics equipment and systems for the military and commercial aerospace industry. For more information on Kearfott’s innovative solutions and proven technologies visit www.kearfott.com.

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State-of-the-art facility provides a high-tech, design and production and maintenance facility for Ring Laser and Fiber Optic gyroscopes and Inertial Navigation Systems for civil and defense customers

PINE BROOK, NEW JERSEY – August 5, 2021 – Kearfott Corporation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its new corporate headquarters and Guidance & Navigation Division operating facility in Pine Brook, New Jersey.

The new building, located only minutes from its former Woodland Park facilities,  consolidates all engineering, manufacturing, leadership, and administrative and support functions into one single location.  The facility provides a state-of-the-art, high-technology, and collaborative workspace that enables the company to achieve significantly improved operational efficiencies.

Founded in 1917, Kearfott is a leader in the design, manufacture, and support of guidance, navigation, and motion-control products for aerospace, defense, energy exploration, and unmanned system markets.  It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Astronautics Corporation of America, a leader in the field of aerospace avionics equipment and systems.

“From marine, ground, and aircraft guidance and navigation to supporting Blue Origin’s recent flight into space, Kearfott is proud to be a leader in innovative solutions for our customers’ critical requirements,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Astronautics Corporation of America Dr. Ronald Zelazo.  “This new, high-tech facility gives Kearfott the tools it needs to be an even stronger leader in the guidance and navigation market.”

The August 4^th celebration was attended by customers and local officials and included tours of the modern facility.

Kearfott is currently hiring for a number of key positions. For more information or to apply, visit www.kearfott.com/careers.

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About Kearfott Corporation

For over 100 years, Kearfott has demonstrated a commitment to quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology for guidance, navigation, and motion-control products. Kearfott’s products orient satellites; guide spacecraft, tactical, and strategic missiles; and provide precision navigation to autonomous undersea and airborne vehicles. They provide (i) navigation, pointing, and weapon fire control for mobile and towed artillery, ground radars, and military transport vehicles; (ii) flight control actuators for missiles, UAVs, helicopters, and military and commercial aircraft; and (iii) precision, ruggedized components that measure angle and position in a wide range of applications. Kearfott is a wholly owned subsidiary of Astronautics Corporation of America, a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of avionics equipment and systems for the commercial and military aerospace industry. For more information on Kearfott’s innovative solutions and proven technologies: www.kearfott.com and www.astronautics.com.

Relocation provides a high-tech, collaborative work environment to improve operational efficiencies

PINE BROOK, NEW JERSEY – February 15, 2021 – Kearfott Corporation has relocated its corporate headquarters and Guidance & Navigation Division operations from Woodland Park to 19 Chapin Road, Building C in Pine Brook, New Jersey.

Founded in 1918, Kearfott is a leader in the design, manufacture, and support of guidance, navigation, and motion-control products for aerospace, defense, energy exploration, and unmanned system markets. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Astronautics Corporation of America, a leader in the field of aerospace avionics equipment and systems.

The new building, located only minutes from its former Woodland Park facilities, consolidates all engineering, manufacturing, leadership, and administrative and support functions into one single location.

Kearfott has modernized the new facility to provide a state-of-the-art, collaborative workspace. The high-technology building will allow the company to achieve improved operational efficiencies.

“We are excited to relocate to our new, modern facility where we will continue to provide cutting-edge solutions to meet our customers’ critical requirements,” said Kearfott President Murray Kennedy. “The space better accommodates our growing team and having all of our operations under one roof allows us to be an even stronger leader in the guidance and navigation market to address industry needs quickly and collaboratively.”

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About Kearfott Corporation

For over 100 years, Kearfott has demonstrated a commitment to quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology for guidance, navigation, and motion-control products. Kearfott’s products guide spacecraft and strategic missiles; navigate autonomous undersea vehicles; provide navigation, pointing, and weapon fire control for ground radars, mobile and towed artillery, and military transport vehicles; flight control actuators for missiles, UAVs, helicopters, and military and commercial aircraft; and precision, ruggedized components that measure angle and position in a wide range of applications. Kearfott is a wholly owned subsidiary of Astronautics Corporation of America, a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of avionics equipment and systems for the commercial and military aerospace industry. For more information on Kearfott’s innovative solutions and proven technologies: www.kearfott.com.