ネタ | Cell phone jammers block some nasty signals道場 | ホビー・ゲーム | まにあ道

The world we inhabit is undeniably shaped by the widespread use of GPS technology. Since its approval for IFR use in 1994, this extraordinary advancement has brought about a revolution in the aviation industry. It has become deeply embedded in our day-to-day operations, fulfilling critical roles in navigation, communication, surveillance, ADS-B, and even TAWS. Without a doubt, this technology has become an indispensable tool for ensuring our safety.

Herein lies the predicament. Its proper functioning relies on radio signals received from satellites, which can be deliberately disrupted. If you engage in operations between Europe and Asia, this may not come as a surprise. However, the alarming aspect is the escalating occurrence of such disruptions. According to EUROCONTROL's report, cases of GPS outages have dramatically increased over the last five years.

The Hot Spots

Regions facing political tension are prone to experiencing widespread GPS outages on a regular basis. As a result, it is unsurprising that the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and Caucasus regions consistently suffer the most from such disruptions. In the past year, a staggering 3,500 outages were reported in these areas.The number of reported incidents stands at around ten per day. It is important to emphasize that this count only takes into account incidents that have been reported by individuals. The LCCC/Nicosia FIR, which encompasses the airspace over Cyprus and extends to LLBG/Tel Aviv, experiences a particularly high volume of incidents. Reports of these occurrences have been documented as far north as Italy, as well as in Turkey and Egypt.

This specific part of the world is rife with tension, as it bears the consequences of the Syrian War, the ongoing conflict in Libya, and the current Azerbaijani conflict. Unfortunately, it also serves as a major air corridor for flights between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Consequently, it becomes nearly inevitable to circumvent this region.

However, its impact is not limited to that specific place. Reports of GPS sabotage have surfaced globally, with circles of interference, also known as 'crop circles', being linked to countries including China, North Korea, and even the United States.

So why tamper with GPS?

Unfortunately, electromagnetic warfare is a harsh reality that cannot be disregarded. The primary objective for military purposes is to create substantial difficulties for the opposing side, which includes disrupting communication and navigation systems. Furthermore, GPS signal jammer serves as a defensive measure against explosive drones that often grab media attention, as well as those utilized for spying. In certain situations, jamming is employed to safeguard individuals' privacy, but it is disheartening that it can also be exploited for criminal purposes.

Jamming or Spoofing?

The relatively low power of GPS signals makes receivers highly vulnerable to failure or, more alarmingly, the production of inaccurate data when exposed to weak sources of interference. Jammers, devices that mask the signal with noise, are commonly employed to achieve this objective. While the use of gps jammer is prohibited in the United States, they are legally permitted in other countries and can be easily obtained.

The impact of a singular device in powerful military applications is renowned for encompassing a radius of 300nm, making their localization an incredibly daunting task. These devices can be discreetly installed at military bases, securely affixed to vehicles, or seamlessly integrated onto naval vessels.

So why is this a problem for aviation?

The issue is escalating, and the outages are happening sporadically and unpredictably. Approximately seventy-five percent of GPS failures worldwide are observed during cruise operations, and in ten percent of these instances, the loss of signal persists for more than half an hour. Moreover, there have been reports where GPS receivers never recovered a signal.As per ICAO's regulations, it is essential to report frequent power failures by issuing NOTAMs. Unfortunately, only a limited number of countries are actively adhering to this rule. Furthermore, with the reduced number of aircraft flying during the pandemic, it is challenging to determine the severity of this issue.

In the absence of GPS functionality, the crew of an aircraft must resort to alternative means of navigation to traverse airspace that heavily relies on accurate positioning to ensure proper separation from other aircraft. This scenario can also lead to various issues, such as false alerts and even GPWS warnings. The requirement for pilots to dismiss these warnings establishes a concerning precedent.

The plot thickens, enter 5G.

The game-changing technology that offers the ability to download your treasured episode of 'The Bachelor' in an exceptionally short period of time is well-known to all.Concerning developments have arisen in the US, revealing that the federal government has granted permission to a new network provider to utilize a portion of the radio spectrum typically designated for GPS signals. The intention behind this decision is to empower the establishment of a substantial 5G network across the country.The frequencies hold significant potency, and there is no assurance that they will not obstruct GPS signals.

When engaged in a GPS-based approach, it is crucial to be prepared for the eventuality of a blank screen. Recent incidents have demonstrated that despite its reliability, this technology is not infallible, emphasizing the importance of anticipating unexpected scenarios.