GPS Repeaters For Aircraft Hangars

The structure of an aircraft hangar can block the ingress of GPS signals, making it impossible to test on-board navigation equipment without pushing the aircraft outside where it has a view of the sky.

A GPS repeater system overcomes this physical barrier by transferring the outdoor signals to the interior of the hangar, which means all maintenance work can be carried out indoors.

GPS repeater in a police station ensures communications devices are always visible at the control centre

A repeater system installed in an aircraft hangar:

Receives the satellite signals via an external GPS antenna
Sends the signals down a coaxial cable to a repeater unit (sometimes multiple units) inside the hangar
The repeater amplifies and re-radiates the signals indoors so that all GPS receivers within range can use the outdoor signals.

GPS repeater in a military hangar

L1L2 repeater in hardened aircraft shelter

In a military situation, the same applies regarding the ability to carry out maintenance without leaving the safety of the hangar.

Additionally, a fighter jet would normally experience a satellite acquisition delay when exiting the hangar in a hurry – the time-to-first-fix (TTFF) could be a dangerously long period of time.

A GPS repeater ensures that fighters always have GPS lock when inside the hangar to ensure there is no satellite acquisition delay upon exit

GPS frequency bands covered

Repeater systems are available to cover the following frequencies:

GPS L1
GPS L1, GLONASS, Galileo
GPS L1 & L2, GLONASS, Galileo
All L-Band signals

Repeater kit for GPS L1 signals.

Repeater kit for GPS L1 with GLONASS and Galileo signals.

The addition of a GPS L2 signal gives a more accurate positional fix and is widely used in military and civil aviation applications, as well as for highly-accurate geo-surveying applications.

Repeater kit for GPS L1, L2, GLONASS, Galileo signals.

Repeater kit for all upper and lower L-Band signals.

Coverage Area

The repeater unit has a built-in re-radiating antenna with a beam width of 180 degrees, with a hemi-spherical-shaped radiation pattern.

The coverage area achieved is partly determined by the height of the repeater above the ground.

Generally, one repeater unit placed 10 meters above ground level will provide a coverage area below of 30-35m diameter.

Repeaters can also be wall-mounted with their signal beaming horizontally across the indoor space; signal will reach 40 meters in clear space

Installation service

FalTech partners with professional installation company Archers Solutions, based near Northampton.

FalTech and Archers Solutions have worked together since 2012, supplying and installing systems in hangars, fire stations, police stations and various office/workshop facilities.

Archers Solutions carry all relevant certifications, licenses and insurance, including:

• MEWP operator (scissor lift & telescopic boom lift)
• Working at height
• £5 million public liability insurance
• £50 million airside insurance

A survey is carried out to ascertain important factors such as outdoor antenna location, cable routes, repeater positioning, availability of AC power where needed.

The survey also assesses the need for cherry picker or other hoist equipment required for installation of indoor and outdoor components.

Survey findings are documented in a full report, with system recommendations, costs and timescales.

Available in kit form or as a bespoke solution

A GPS repeater kit comes with all you need to get indoor GPS signal in your building.

View GPS Repeater Kits

Bespoke Solution ….

For larger areas where one single repeater is not enough we can offer you a custom-designed-system to meet your exact requirement.