Collaborative Innovation in Navigation Technology
Advanced Navigation, a frontrunner in alternative Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) solutions, has partnered with global defense giant MBDA to develop a robust navigation system that incorporates MBDA’s NILEQ absolute positioning technology.
This collaborative effort aims to deliver reliable absolute positioning for various airborne platforms, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The partnership will promote joint research and technological advancements between the United Kingdom and Australia.
Utilizing NILEQ for Terrain-Based Positioning
The NILEQ technology, which is currently patent-pending, leverages innovative neuromorphic sensors to create and identify terrain fingerprints.
Inspired by biological mechanisms for detecting environmental changes, this sensing technology gathers data on the terrain as an aerial system traverses it, comparing this information against a complete database of the Earth’s surface.
The anticipated outcome will enable systems like Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) to achieve an absolute position fix over land using a passive solution that is resistant to interference.This advancement is expected to considerably enhance the safety of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, addressing many limitations associated with conventional image-based navigation technologies.
Chris Shaw, CEO of Advanced Navigation, remarked, “In a world where interference is increasingly common, both commercial and military sectors must seek alternatives to GNSS for flight operations. There is a pressing need for supplementary navigation aids to enhance platform inertial navigation and GNSS systems.”
Tom Tizard,general Manager of MBDA Australia,added,“We are excited to see MBDA’s innovative solutions become foundational to future airborne navigation systems.NILEQ aims to meet the growing demand for resilient absolute positioning data that will enhance existing navigation systems for airborne platforms. Advanced Navigation is the perfect Australian partner to expedite this technology’s market introduction. Our focus is on navigation technologies that not only ensure accuracy and precision but also offer resilience against interference, which is the driving force behind this partnership.”
Enhancing UK-Australia Relations through Technological Collaboration
Emphasizing the significance of expanding bilateral opportunities,September marked the three-year anniversary of AUKUS,established on September 15,2021. the potential applications of this co-developed solution are extensive, spanning both civilian and military sectors. Additionally, it addresses the increasing legal requirements for alternatives to GPS, which is particularly crucial amid rising geopolitical tensions and the prevalence of electronic warfare tactics, such as GPS signal jamming and spoofing.
In the context of AUKUS Pillar 2, the companies are focused on transforming complex, innovative research and technology into practical applications that benefit both the United Kingdom and Australia. this collaboration aims to facilitate informed decision-making, strategic independence, and improved combat effectiveness in response to emerging threats. Beyond providing a strategic edge, it is indeed essential for enhancing national security.
Advanced Navigation and MBDA are set to validate the NILEQ technology through an airborne presentation scheduled in Australia.
