Sydney-based Advanced Navigation has successfully demonstrated a groundbreaking solution to GPS-jamming, a critical threat on the modern battlefield. During the U.S. Army's recent All-Domain Persistent Experiment (APEX), the company's autonomous navigation system maintained exceptional accuracy in a simulated high-threat environment. This achievement underscores a significant advancement in assured positioning, navigation, and timing (APNT) technologies for military operations.
The Challenge of Modern Electronic Warfare
Success in contemporary military conflicts increasingly hinges on technological superiority, particularly in navigation. Adversaries now frequently employ electronic warfare to deny, degrade, or spoof Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, creating what is known as a denied environment. This reliance on a single, vulnerable technology presents a mission-ending risk, making the development of resilient alternative navigation systems a top priority for defense forces globally.
A Multi-Sensor Fusion Approach
Advanced Navigation's solution is built around an inertial-centric architecture, anchored by its Boreas D90 Fibre-Optic Gyroscope (FOG) Inertial Navigation System (INS). This strategic-grade device functions as the system's core, determining true North by detecting the Earth's rotation, thereby enabling navigation without any external signals. This self-contained capability provides a resilient foundation for operations even when GPS is completely unavailable.
The system's true strength lies in its intelligent fusion of multiple sensors, managed by the sophisticated AdNav Intelligence software. During the test, the Boreas D90 was integrated with a Laser Velocity Sensor (LVS) and a wheel speed encoder to provide complementary data. The software continuously validates all inputs, adapting in real-time to counteract jamming and ensure unwavering navigational integrity across a multi-domain threat landscape.
Proving Ground in the New Mexico Desert
The APEX event, held in rural New Mexico, provided a rigorous and operationally relevant testbed for the technology. The demonstration involved a four-wheel armored vehicle conducting night operations under simulated battlefield conditions designed to cripple conventional navigation systems. The U.S. Army subjected the platform to complex electronic warfare threats, including deliberate and persistent GNSS jamming, to evaluate its mission resilience.
The results of the demonstration exceeded expectations and highlighted the system's remarkable precision. When fused with the LVS, the navigation stack achieved an error of just 7.5 meters after traveling 65 kilometers, representing a best-in-class dead-reckoning accuracy of 0.012%. This level of performance proves that vehicles can maintain surgical precision even when operating in a completely GPS-denied environment.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
Chris Shaw, CEO and co-founder of Advanced Navigation, stated that this capability represents a fundamental shift in how military forces can operate in contested environments. He emphasized that an intelligent, multi-sensor fusion anchored by a resilient inertial core is the only path to gaining an operational advantage. This success validates the technology as a crucial component for ensuring warfighters can operate decisively through evolving threats.
Following this successful deployment, Advanced Navigation is set to expand its collaboration with U.S. defense partners. The next phase of testing will involve the U.S. Air Force’s 746th Test Squadron and the Joint Navigation Warfare Center, among other commands. The company's continued investment in research, particularly in integrating inertial navigation with next-generation photonics, promises to further advance battlefield adaptability and resilience.
Advanced Navigation's performance at APEX marks a pivotal moment in the effort to overcome GPS denial in military contexts. By proving the effectiveness of its resilient, multi-sensor inertial navigation system, the company has showcased a viable path to maintaining mission readiness on the modern battlefield. This technological leap ensures that forces can navigate with confidence and precision, turning a potential vulnerability into a distinct competitive advantage.