Originally Posted by
Tidgy
nice pic, but is the fact correct? lol
Lifted from wikipedia
All GPS receivers capable of functioning above 18km altitude and 515m/s (1,815kmph) are classified as munitions for which State Department export licenses are required. These limits attempt to prevent use of a receiver in a ballistic missile.
They would not prevent use in a cruise missile because their altitudes and speeds are similar to those of ordinary aircraft.
The rule targets operation given the combination of altitude and speed, while some receivers stop operating even when stationary. This has caused problems with some amateur radio balloon launches that regularly reach 30 kilometres (19 mi).
These limits only apply to units exported from (or which have components exported from) the United States There is a growing trade in various components, including GPS units, supplied by other countries, which are expressly sold as ITAR-free.