If you’ve had trouble will your GPS in recent days, there’s good news and bad news.
First, the good news: it’s not your phone, network, car or Garmin, it’s the U.S. government. The bad news? It’s not going to get better until Feb. 17.
The United States Air Force is conducting a series of drills at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas during the weeks between Jan. 26 and Feb. 17. The drills, officially known as Red Flag 18-1, are an advanced military training series that simulate combat conditions for pilots.
As part of training, the Air Force will be blocking GPS signals to simulate a GPS blackout for pilots. This will force them to rely on alternative navigation techniques.
As a result of the simulated blackout, parts of California, Nevada, Oregon, Wyoming, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Montana and New Mexico will have interrupted GPS signal on an inconsistent basis.
For more information on Red Flag 18-1 visit the Nellis Air Force Base website.
Story By
Mitchell Quartz
outside@suunews.com
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash
