One example of a consumer product that was originally developed for defense purposes is the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that allows users to determine their precise location anywhere on Earth. It was initially developed by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) for military use.
The development of GPS started in the 1970s as a joint effort by the U.S. military to improve navigation and positioning capabilities for its forces. The system was intended to provide accurate and reliable positioning information to military units, ships, aircraft, and missiles. GPS allowed for improved targeting, navigation, and coordination during military operations.
However, as the technology matured and its potential applications became evident, the U.S. government decided to make GPS available for civilian use as well. In 1983, after the Soviet Union shot down a Korean Air passenger plane that had strayed into its airspace, President Ronald Reagan announced that GPS would be made available for civilian purposes to prevent similar incidents.
Since then, GPS has been extensively used in various consumer products and applications, transforming the way people navigate and locate themselves. Today, GPS is integrated into smartphones, car navigation systems, fitness trackers, smartwatches, drones, and many other consumer devices. It has become an essential tool for everyday activities, including driving, hiking, geocaching, and location-based services. The widespread adoption of GPS in consumer products has had a profound impact on modern life, and its initial development for defense purposes paved the way for its civilian applications.