GNSS receivers for drones: accuracy, RTK and anti-jamming
Updated November 3, 2026
A GNSS receiver computes position, velocity and time from navigation satellites: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou. It is the main absolute position source of almost every drone. Professional receivers add more frequencies and constellations, centimetre-level correction services and protection against interference.
Accuracy levels
Standard positioning: metre-level accuracy, enough for basic navigation.
SBAS (such as WAAS and EGNOS): improved accuracy and integrity information.
RTK (real-time kinematic): centimetre-level accuracy using corrections from a nearby base station or network.
PPP (precise point positioning): decimetre to centimetre accuracy from satellite-delivered corrections, without a local base.
Key specifications
Constellations and frequencies: multi-frequency (L1/L2/L5, E1/E5) receivers resolve errors faster and are more robust than single-frequency ones.
Accuracy in each mode and time to fix RTK.
Update rate, up to tens of hertz for fast vehicles.
Dual-antenna heading capability.
Interference protection: jamming detection and mitigation, spoofing detection, authenticated signals such as Galileo OSNMA, and compatibility with controlled reception pattern antennas (CRPA).
Integrity: RAIM and protection levels for safety-critical use.
Interfaces and size, weight and power.
Antennas matter
The antenna and its installation decide much of the real-world performance: multipath, interference from onboard electronics and the view of the sky. Survey-grade and anti-jam antennas are specified with the receiver.
Real-time kinematic positioning: the receiver uses carrier-phase measurements and corrections from a base station or correction network to reach centimetre-level accuracy in real time.
Why use a multi-frequency GNSS receiver?
Measuring several frequencies removes most ionospheric error, speeds up high-accuracy fixes and makes the receiver more robust to interference and multipath.
How can a drone resist GPS jamming?
With receivers that detect and filter interference, multi-constellation and multi-frequency tracking, anti-jam antennas (CRPA), and by fusing GNSS with inertial and visual navigation so the vehicle keeps flying when signals are lost.
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FeaturedGNSS receivers
FeaturedGNSS receivers
FeaturedGNSS receivers
FeaturedGNSS receivers
FeaturedGNSS receivers
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Featured
FeaturedGNSS receivers
FeaturedGNSS receivers
FeaturedGNSS receivers
FeaturedGNSS receivers
FeaturedGNSS receivers
