The first operational hardware for the U.S. Air Force's GPS Next-Generation Operational Control System has been delivered by Raytheon.

The hardware for the program is for its Launch and Checkout System, or LSC, which is a subset of the fuller OCX ground system and establishes the cyber-hardened infrastructure to which additional mission applications will be added. It also supports GPS III satellites by providing improved accuracy and precision and high levels of cyber protection.

Raytheon said the gear was delivered to Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado, which will ultimately serve as the home for the new GPS OCX master control station.

"With hardware in place, Raytheon is positioned to complete validation and testing of critical capabilities and cyber-security protections ahead of the LCS Acceptance milestone," said Matt Gilligan, GPS OCX program manager. "LCS was established in part as a significant risk reduction effort for the program. Raytheon is committed to a seamless transition of OCX and the capabilities it will deliver to the U.S. warfighter and civil and commercial users worldwide."