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Advanced Navigation and MBDA Partner on Resilient Navigation Breakthrough

Advanced Navigation, specializing in APNT technologies, and MBDA, a prominent defense company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a resilient navigation system incorporating MBDA’s NILEQ absolute…
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Advanced Navigation, specializing in APNT technologies, and MBDA, a prominent defense company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a resilient navigation system incorporating MBDA’s NILEQ absolute positioning technology.

Suitable for the modern era, the co-developed solution will provide resilient absolute positioning for a multitude of airborne platforms. The agreement will see the companies foster joint research and technology development between the United Kingdom and Australia.

In an increasingly uncertain world where interference is becoming ubiquitous, commercial and military sectors can no longer rely purely on GNSS for flight operations. There is an urgent need for additional navigation aiding to supplement platform inertial navigation and GNSS receiver systems

said Advanced Navigation CEO Chris Shaw.

said MBDA Australia General ManagerTom Tizard.

Absolute Positioning using NILEQ Derived Terrain Fingerprints

NILEQ’s patent-pending technology is underpinned by the use of novel neuromorphic sensors to derive and match terrain fingerprints. Initially inspired by biological change detection processes, the sensing technology captures data of the changing terrain as an airborne system flies across it, and matches it to an existing database of the Earth’s surface.

The final solution is set to enable systems, such as uncrewed Air Systems (UAS), to secure an absolute position fix over land with a solution that is passive and resistant to interference. The technology will enhance the safety of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, as the solution overcomes many of the conventional limitations of airborne image-based navigation technologies.

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Image: Advanced Navigation

Strengthening Bilateral Relations Between UK and Australia

Highlighting the importance of increasing bilateral opportunities, September marked the three-year anniversary for AUKUS, which was formed on 15th September 2021. The potential applications of the co-developed solution are wide-ranging and span both the civilian and military domains. The solution also further supports growing legal requirements for GPS alternatives. This is of heightened importance at a time when geopolitical conflicts and electronic warfare – the jamming and spoofing of GPS signals – are simultaneously on the rise.

Regarding the strategic context of AUKUS Pillar 2, the companies are working on capabilities to translate novel, complex research and technology into meaningful practical applications that are of mutual benefit to the United Kingdom and Australia. This means informed decision-making, strategic autonomy, and heightened combat efficiency in the face of emerging threats. More than a strategic advantage, it is the key to bolstering national security.

Real World Demonstration

Advanced Navigation and MBDA will validate NILEQ in an airborne demonstration planned in Australia.

2022 06 27 SD 3D PV Banner
Surveyors UK

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