Procurement: Can't Have Too Many DAGRs

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December2, 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.

 

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