December
2, 2006: The United States Department of Defense has ordered another 37,000
DAGR (Defense Advanced Global Positioning System Receiver), for about $2,200
each. DAGR weighs nearly a pound (15 ounces), but is small enough (6 3/8"
x 3 7/16" x 1 9/16") to fit into a standard two-clip ammo pouch. DAGR
can find its first position fix within 60 seconds, and can run continuously for
twelve hours on its battery. There are a number of useful accessories,
including an anti-jamming device, a more powerful antenna and external power
cables. DAGR has one major advantage over commercial GPS receivers, it can use
the Precise Positioning Service (PPS) signal. PPS allows users to operate reliably
when someone is trying to jam GPS signals. DAGR also has the most popular
features found in commercial GPS receivers, and can easily have its software
updated. DAGR has a 1.7x2.3 inch display, and can survive submersion into
nearly 40 inches of water. DAGR costs about five times more than equivalent
civilian models. The Department of Defense has bought about 125,000 DAGRs so
far.
Many
troops still use civilian GPS receivers, not as replacements for DAGR, but in
addition to them. There are civilian models that are cheaper and smaller, and
these are more convenient to use. But DAGR does have its advantages, and is
hauled around for that.
