Exail’s cutting-edge inertial measurement technology has been chosen for incorporation into the Airbus SIRTAP tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS).
In collaboration with the Spanish company Grafinta, Exail’s UmiX-40 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) will serve as a fundamental component of the navigation system designed by GMV for the SIRTAP platform.
The choice of the UmiX-40 IMU underscores Exail’s expanding presence in the defense and aerospace industries, particularly for systems that demand sophisticated navigation capabilities in environments where GNSS signals are unreliable or absent. Its compact design and robust construction make it particularly suitable for tactical UAS applications, where considerations of size, weight, and power (SWaP) are critical.
The UmiX-40 is a state-of-the-art solid-state IMU that combines exail’s proprietary Fiber-Optic Gyroscopes (FOG) with Vibrating beam Accelerometers. This innovative design allows for accurate navigation and stabilization of platforms, even in extreme conditions or when satellite signals are not available. Its capabilities ensure that unmanned systems can uphold their flight paths and mission objectives, even in scenarios where GPS signals are compromised.
Featuring a plug-and-play interface and a highly durable design, the UmiX-40 is built for seamless integration and long-lasting performance in demanding tactical settings. This makes it particularly well-suited for extended Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, where precise positioning and control are essential.
Alexandre Maia, Regional Sales Manager at Exail, expressed, “We appreciate the confidence that Airbus and GMV have shown in us for this significant initiative. The UmiX-40’s accuracy, durability, and compact form make it an ideal match for the rigorous operational demands of the SIRTAP UAS. Its high-performance features will deliver a dependable and precise navigation solution to fulfill the operational needs of the Spanish Army and Air and Space Forces.”
Airbus’s SIRTAP is a multifunctional tactical UAS designed for advanced ISR operations, boasting an endurance exceeding 20 hours and a range of over 2,000 kilometers. Engineered for operational versatility, SIRTAP is capable of executing both national and international missions across varied terrains and contested airspaces.
The incorporation of the UmiX-40 IMU considerably enhances the SIRTAP platform by ensuring reliable and accurate navigation throughout all flight phases—taxiing, takeoff, cruising, and landing—even in conditions where GPS signals are degraded or unavailable. This enhancement will enable SIRTAP to maintain its mission effectiveness in complex and rapidly changing operational environments.
