GPS World

Tag: Safran Electronics & Defense

  • Safran acquires Syntony to strengthen position in resilient PNT market

    Safran Electronics & Defense has acquired Syntony GNSS, a simulator and receiver company founded in 2015 in Toulouse, France. The acquisition is intended to strengthen Safron’s resilient PNT innovations.

    In 2023, Safran acquired Orolia, also for its GNSS and PNT expertise.

    Under the agreement, signed Feb. 13, Safran will take 100% of Syntony’s share capital, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed.

    A European leader in GNSS solutions for underground environments, Syntony has developed unique expertise to ensure reliable positioning in contexts where satellite signals are unavailable.

    Syntony’s technology addresses a major challenge of satellite navigation systems: the vulnerability of GNSS signals to physical obstacles, jamming and interference. To tackle this, Syntony has developed several critical technologies, including:

    • Controlled reception pattern antennas (CRPAs) that make GNSS receivers less sensitive to jamming and spoofing — essential for flight safety and the protection of sensitive infrastructure.
    • Software-defined radio (SDR), a digital radio that can change function (switching from FM to Wi-Fi or GPS) through a simple software update without changing hardware, allowing it to adapt to threats or to changes in received or transmitted signals. It offers compactness and scalability, particularly suited to embedded systems and the requirements of modern operational environments.

    In addition, Syntony develops GNSS receivers for next-generation satellites, particularly for low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations, further strengthening Safran Electronics & Defense’s offering in the space-based PNT and New Space sectors.

    Syntony employs nearly 70 people across Toulouse and Paris.

    For Safran Electronics & Defense, this acquisition makes it possible to offer more comprehensive equipment that is also more compact and energy-efficient, while remaining adaptable to the constant evolution of signals. These gains in weight and power consumption are essential for future civilian and military platforms (drones and counter-drone systems, missiles, aircraft and low-orbit satellites).

  • Safran’s Skydel NAVWAR strengthens national defense and airspace sovereignty

    Safran’s Skydel NAVWAR strengthens national defense and airspace sovereignty

    Safran Electronics & Defense had unveiled Skydel NAVWAR, a software solution designed to protect against hostile UAVs by disrupting their navigation systems.

    As the core of Safran’s counter-UAV (C-UAV) systems, Skydel NAVWAR disrupts UAV navigation by simulating authentic GNSS signals, providing nations and organizations with advanced protection for their most critical assets.

    Skydel NAVWAR can be deployed on tactical platforms and integrated with sensors and command-and-control systems, allowing operators to conduct remote spoofing operations without being physically present at the target location.

    “Protecting national sovereignty requires more than just technology — it demands trusted systems that empower countries to take control of their own security,” said Maxime Gorlier, director of positioning, navigation and timing at Safran Electronics & Defense. “With Skydel NAVWAR, we are giving our partners the capability to safeguard their airspace, defend critical infrastructure and ensure resilience in the face of evolving threats.”

    The system features a secure application programming interface, hardened operating system and field-tested durability designed for demanding operational conditions. It supports all major global navigation satellite systems, including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS and space-based augmentation systems, as well as emerging low-Earth orbit (LEO) signals.

    The software can simulate thousands of satellites in real time using commercial off-the-shelf hardware and operates at a 1,000 Hz iteration rate.

    Safran designed the system to enable defense integrators to build sovereign anti-drone capabilities, enhancing national autonomy in countering UAV threats.

  • Simulating signal threats with Safran Electronics & Defense

    Simulating signal threats with Safran Electronics & Defense

    In universities across the world, theory lays the foundation, but in the field, realism builds true expertise.  

    For students studying GNSS engineering, textbooks and simulations alone are no longer enough. Tomorrow’s engineers need to use the same applications and work with the same complex environments that professionals face in the real world. This means using tools that generate actual RF signals, not just software abstractions — tools that recreate urban canyons, interference, jamming, spoofing and satellite dynamics with precision. 

    Safran has established the Minerva Academic Partnership Program, an initiative that brings its Skydel GNSS Simulation Engine to qualified educational institutions worldwide. 

    A Modern, Software-Defined Approach to GNSS Simulation

    At the heart of this initiative is the Skydel simulation engine, a software-defined GNSS simulator. Built to leverage commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, Skydel eliminates the need for proprietary hardware. It delivers the full spectrum of satellite constellations — as well as LEO ones — and frequency bands. By integrating Skydel in their projects, researchers now have the tools to pursue ambitious ideas with confidence, such as:

    ■ Designing and testing custom signals or constellations not yet in existence

    ■ Simulating real-world scenarios that can include both environmental and man-made interference

    ■ Integrating and testing additional sensors and platforms through open-source plug-ins and hardware-in-the-loop setups

    ■ Conducting rigorous resiliency testing against jamming and spoofing in a controlled, repeatable environment without real-world risk

    ■ Building their own simulator with existing hardware components around Skydel

    Empowering the Next Generation of PNT Innovators

    Through the Minerva program, Safran provides full-feature Skydel licenses for faculty and student use, creating an environment where learning and innovation thrive. This initiative not only eliminates the barrier to entry but also fosters collaboration between academia and industry –— fueling a new wave of GNSS advancements.

    A Global Initiative

    Today, Minerva includes more than 80 member institutions and boasts a growing portfolio of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

    “This momentum highlights the real-world impact of the program and its role in driving local research excellence and fostering a vibrant, collaborative international GNSS community,” said Pierre-Marie Leveel, program director of PNT simulation at Safran Electronics & Defense. “Safran Electronics & Defense’s Minerva program is more than just a software — it’s a mission to democratize GNSS simulation and nurture the next generation of PNT researchers. As innovation becomes more critical to national sovereignty, transportation, and space exploration, empowering students and researchers has never been more vital.” 

    Elevating GNSS Simulation

    The evolution of Safran Electronics & Defense’s GNSS simulators — across both software and hardware — has been shaped by the growing demands of users and the broader market.

    “The demand for multi-vehicle and multi-antenna scenarios has never been higher, and the same can be said for interference simulation,” said Pierre-Marie Le Veel, program director of PNT Simulation at Safran Electronics & Defense.

    To address these challenges, Safran’s GSG-7 and GSG-8 Gen2 simulators are engineered to handle a range of applications, from basic to advanced GNSS jamming and spoofing resiliency testing.

    The GSG-7 simulator is designed for location-aware applications and systems that depend on navigation or timing. With high-end performance — featuring a 1,000 Hz simulation iteration rate, high dynamics, real-time synchronization, and all-in-view satellite signal simulation — the GSG-7 is well-suited for development and integration projects that demand high performance and extensive constellation licensing. It supports multi-constellation and multi-frequency GNSS simulations and can be configured to operate with all current and upcoming GNSS signals.

    Meanwhile, the GSG-8 Gen2 is the latest iteration of Safran’s GSG-8 model, offering flexible simulation capabilities for any device that relies on GNSS signals. Built on Safran’s Skydel-based simulation platform, the GSG-8 Gen2 helps users model scenarios.

    Powered by high-end GPUs, the GSG-8 Gen2 offers reliable and precise GNSS signal testing. It can simulate thousands of signals, run multiple instances at once, and introduce jamming and spoofing to evaluate system resilience. The turnkey system features a redesigned chassis for greater connectivity, including six front-facing, high-quality RF outputs, a combined output covering the full GNSS bandwidth, and the same high-end simulation iteration rate as the GSG-7. This allows users to quickly get up and running with complex simulation requirements.

    “The market is also demanding realism,” Le Veel said.

    All Safran simulators are powered by the Skydel Simulation Engine, which is updated quarterly. Each release introduces new features, signals, and enhancements, enabling more authentic simulations and offering the flexibility to create virtually any GNSS testing scenario.

    Staying Ahead of Market Changes and Signal Threats

    The recent increase in signal interference threats has driven the demand for enhanced positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) resilience, leading to the broader use of both conducted and over-the-air (OTA) testing. The anticipated deregulation of controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) technology also is expected to open the door for civilian markets to perform testing.

    “Throughout the past few years, Safran Electronics & Defense has massively revamped our approach to the Wavefront platform and now offers the GSG-Wavefront for those testing CRPA antennas against jamming and spoofing threats,” Veel said.

    The ability to safeguard GNSS networks from jamming and spoofing attacks has never been more vital. Achieving this level of resilience calls for a GNSS simulator that can generate dedicated RF signals for evaluating the effectiveness of CRPA architectures.

    Safran’s GSG-Wavefront, featuring a shared local oscillator (LO) design, stands out as a field-proven, off-the-shelf solution for CRPA receiver testing. It has a customizable platform that offers upgradable options powered by Skydel — the company’s GNSS simulation engine.

    Le Veel added, “We are working hard to keep up with demand in both the defense and civilian markets.”
    In addition, Le Veel noted that Safran’s GSG-Anechoic is attracting attention from users who work with anechoic chambers, thanks to its multiple, independent RF outputs, automatic antenna mapping, and built-in calibration features for delay and power loss.

    Safran Electronics & Defense supports a wide array of users in both the civilian and defense sectors, spanning aerospace, critical infrastructure and transportation. In recent years, however, the company has seen its fastest growth in the New Space market. Safran’s simulators are used in a range of cutting-edge applications, including satellite navigation, low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations, and rocket launch and landing systems.

    “We are proud that the flexible tools and features we have included in Skydel are being used in these incredibly robust applications,” La Veel said.

    A challenge for most GNSS simulation suppliers is ensuring compatibility and coherence with a wide range of GNSS receivers. La Veel shared that Safran Electronics & Defense is in a unique position, as it also designs and manufactures its own receivers, such as the newly released Skylight.

    “Additional challenges can arise when developing new signals or constellations, such as the newest LEO ones, said La Veel. “Our close partnerships with both Xona Space Systems and TrustPoint have allowed us to overcome these challenges.”

    A single GSG-8 Gen2 simulator from Safran Electronics & Defense can generate more than 2,000 signals without the need for additional hardware. This capability is essential when modeling legacy signals, multipath effects, jamming and spoofing scenarios, or even LEO-constellations.

    Safran simulators support all legacy signals, including GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, GLONASS, NavIC, QZSS and SBAS, across all bands and security features such as M-code, PRS and Galileo OSNMA. The systems also offer compatibility with emerging LEO constellations, including Xona’s PULSAR X1 and X5, as well as TrustPoint. Custom Signals and Custom Constellation features offer users the flexibility to create entirely new signals and satellite constellations, or to modify existing configurations.

    “It is de rigueur these days for companies to claim or incorporate AI into their solutions. In addition to using AI for tropospheric modeling based on real-world data, Safran Electronics & Defense has also taken a different approach to using AI in GNSS simulation,” Le Veel said.

    He added that the company’s upcoming demonstration at ION GNSS+ 2025 will reveal Skydel AI, a new tool designed to make scenario creation and parameter setting as simple as writing an email. “The amount of people who can easily now test their prototypes, products or systems will dramatically increase as the steep curve to learn GNSS simulation is flattened.”

  • Safran unveils upgraded VersaSync GNSS master clock

    Safran unveils upgraded VersaSync GNSS master clock

    Safran Electronics & Defense has released an enhanced version of VersaSync, its ruggedized GNSS master clock and network time server designed for defense applications.

    The updated VersaSync platform includes several technical improvements over previous versions. The system now offers improved frequency stability in harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, shock and vibration. Engineers have enhanced holdover performance for GNSS-denied missions and increased resistance to power supply transients to maintain timing continuity during platform power disruptions.

    The new version maintains form-fit-function compatibility with earlier VersaSync models, allowing for straightforward upgrades without major redesigns.

    The system has been deployed in more than 16,000 operational cases across various platforms, including high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, armored vehicles, naval combat systems and offshore platforms. VersaSync incorporates anti-jamming and anti-spoofing algorithms and features a conduction-cooled design for size, weight and power (SWAP)-constrained environments.

    The device provides secure Network Time Protocol and Precision Time Protocol synchronization over Ethernet and offers configurable input/output options. Applications include mobile command, control, communications and intelligence platforms, airborne ISR, Satellite On The Move systems and naval communications.

    Safran Electronics & Defense will display the enhanced VersaSync at DSEI 2025.

  • Safran’s Skydel simulator now supports Xona’s Pulsar LEO navigation signals

    Safran’s Skydel simulator now supports Xona’s Pulsar LEO navigation signals

    Safran Electronics & Defense‘s Skydel GNSS simulation platform is now fully certified to support simulation of Xona Space Systems’ low-Earth orbit positioning, navigation and timing (LEO-PNT) signal, Pulsar.

    According to the companies, this certification is the culmination of a rigorous multi-phase validation program jointly led by Safran and Xona engineering teams. It underscores Safran’s commitment to advancing robust, high-fidelity testing for next-generation LEO-PNT services. With this milestone, engineers can now use Skydel to evaluate Pulsar’s performance in environments that reflect real-world complexity, interference and operational demands.

    Skydel now simulates Xona’s Pulsar X1 signals, delivering centimeter-level precision, 100x signal strength and enhanced resilience — capabilities that Pulsar will soon bring to orbit.

    “With Skydel-powered simulators certified for Pulsar X1, our customers have more possibilities than ever,” said Pierre-Marie Le Veel, program director of PNT simulation at Safran Electronics & Defense. “They can test LEO and legacy constellations side by side, introduce complex interference, and explore entirely new scenario combinations — all from a single, flexible platform. This is a major step forward in enabling engineers to push the boundaries of GNSS testing.”

    Beyond accuracy, Skydel enables advanced resilience testing, including jamming, spoofing and other NAVWAR threats. Its modular, future-ready architecture ensures seamless integration of new Pulsar signal types and constellation updates, offering the agility needed to keep pace with the evolving LEO PNT landscape and demands for trusted, high-integrity PNT.

    “Validation is the bridge between innovation and trust,” said Tyler Reid, CTO of Xona. “By replicating Pulsar at full fidelity, Skydel empowers engineers to design and validate solutions for the most demanding navigation and timing challenges — without waiting for on-orbit availability.”

    Skydel’s certified Pulsar simulation capability is available now to partners and customers worldwide.

  • Safran launches AI tool for GNSS simulation automation

    Safran launches AI tool for GNSS simulation automation

    Safran Electronics & Defense has unveiled Skydel AI, a breakthrough in GNSS simulation technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate and simplify simulation scenario setups.

    Skydel AI streamlines GNSS simulation scenario creation through intelligent automation and an intuitive interface. Using natural language commands, Skydel AI allows users to query GNSS/Skydel topics, request assistance and dynamically configure simulation parameters by creating Python code for use by Skydel. The technology eliminates complexity and significantly reduces setup time.

    “Soon available as part of Safran’s Support offerings, Skydel AI can help customers drastically improve their development cycles by accelerating manual scenario tuning and reducing long test cycles within Skydel,” said Pierre-Marie Leveel, program director for PNT at Safran. “Already established as the most flexible, robust, and accurate GNSS simulation engine, Skydel never stops innovating and delivering what the market requires – whether it is more realism, higher accuracy, more environment complexity, or ease of use.”

    The company also introduced an AI-powered tropospheric model that enhances Skydel’s tropospheric simulation using real-time weather data and AI predictions to improve wet delay accuracy. Integrated with the Open-Meteo API and Skydel’s system, it relies on a neural network trained on 14 million samples from 221 GNSS stations, delivering up to 88% more accuracy. This model will be available in a future Skydel release.

    The technical breakthrough reflects Safran Electronics & Defense’s commitment to redefining GNSS simulation with intelligent, adaptable and high-performance solutions for mission-critical applications.

  • Safran’s Skylight GNSS receiver enhances PNT resilience with Galileo PRS and M-code

    Safran’s Skylight GNSS receiver enhances PNT resilience with Galileo PRS and M-code

    Safran Electronics & Defense has launched Skylight, a multi-mode military GNSS receiver designed to withstand electronic warfare threats. The company unveiled the new receiver at the Paris Air Show, describing it as a compact and resilient GNSS solution with high integrity.

    Skylight is notable for being the first GNSS receiver to be flight-tested with compatibility for Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS). Its performance was validated during flight trials aboard a combat aircraft. The receiver delivers encrypted, spoofing-resistant PRS signals, designed to enhance security for operations in contested environments.

    The device is also compatible with M-code, ensuring interoperability with U.S. and allied military systems. Additionally, Skylight features a certified civil GPS channel, enabling navigation in civil airspace when necessary. According to Safran, this feature eliminates the need for a separate civil GPS receiver, resulting in weight and cost savings for platform integrators.

    Skyligh also incorporates advanced anti-jamming and anti-spoofing algorithms that have been proven through more than 16,000 operational cases. The receiver is designed to operate with anti-jamming antennas and is fully compatible with the SkyNaute inertial navigation system, allowing for integration into resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) architectures.

    Alexandre Ziegler, executive vice president for the Defense Global Business Unit at Safran Electronics & Defense, said the company already counts two leading aerospace manufacturers among the first adopters of Skylight, including Airbus Helicopters, which has selected the H225M platform to be equipped with the receiver.

    “In an era where PNT resilience is critical, Skylight delivers agility, precision and reliability with a standalone, multi-constellation GNSS receiver whose robustness is strengthened by our expertise in defensive Navwar,” Ziegler said.

  • Safran Electronics & Defense debuts resilient PNT system

    Safran Electronics & Defense debuts resilient PNT system

    Safran Electronics & Defense has introduced BlackNaute, a new autonomous positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) system. The system integrates Safran’s HRG Dual Core inertial navigation technology, the Skylight multi-mode GNSS receiver board and an atomic clock to offer navigation resilience in challenging electronic warfare environments.

    BlackNaute’s built-in atomic clock is designed to maintain precise timing, which is essential for secure communications and collaborative combat operations. The system features advanced anti-jamming and anti-spoofing algorithms, which have been validated in more than 16,000 operational cases. These capabilities allow BlackNaute to detect compromised signals and automatically switch to autonomous and trusted navigation and timing sources to ensure continuity of operations.

    Its modular design allows it to be adapted across a variety of platforms. Airbus Helicopters has selected the NH90 to be equipped with this new Embedded GNSS and Time INS (EGTI).

    “What we are offering today is not just a new solution — it’s an operational guarantee, designed to meet the challenges of electromagnetic warfare,” said Alexandre Ziegler, Executive Vice President, Defense Global Business Unit at Safran Electronics & Defense. “It is a concentration of innovation combining precision, versatility, and security to ensure positioning, navigation and timing — anywhere, under any circumstances.”

  • Launchpad: GNSS antennas and receivers, UAV upgrades, defense solutions and more

    Launchpad: GNSS antennas and receivers, UAV upgrades, defense solutions and more

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the August 2024 issue of GPS World magazine.

    SURVEYING & MAPPING

    Upgraded RTK Rover
    Features MFi certification

    The Reach RX Network real-time kinematics (RTK) rover has been upgraded to include new MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad) certification and is fully compatible with ArcGIS, QGIS and other GIS apps for both iOS and Android. Reach RX can be seamlessly integrated into GIS workflows to help industry professionals and teams collect accurate geodata at scale.

    The Reach RX offers precise positioning while receiving corrections through NTRIP and tracks GPS/QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou. It gets a fix in less than 5 seconds, delivering centimeter-level accuracy even in challenging conditions.

    It can be used for engineering, utility inspection, landscaping and other projects of any scale. According to the company, the rover will soon be compatible with QField, Blue Marble’s Global Mapper, Mergin Maps, Avenza Maps and more.

    The Reach RX weighs 250 grams; is IP68-rated, waterproof and dustproof; and withstands temperatures from -20° C to +65° C.Emlid, emlid.com

    Photogrammetric Software
    Upgraded coordinate system functionalities

    3Dsurvey 3.0 is an all-in-one photogrammetric software solution designed to unify lidar sensors, cameras on UAVs and various ground control points. Users can transition between orthophotos, point clouds and textured meshes.

    Version 3.0 features upgraded coordinate system functionalities to obtain georeferenced spatial data without local transformations.

    It includes improved coordinate system support, which handles transformations requiring special grid files and offers accurate GPS-to-local coordinate conversions. Additionally, the platform can automatically fetch missing geoid models.

    The revamped coordinate system selection process includes presets for users to find the correct system by entering their country name, with the appropriate settings applied automatically. It has PRJ file support to enhance compatibility with various GIS standards. 3Dsurvey, 3dsurvey.si

    RTK Evaluation Kit
    Includes L1+L2 RTK GNSS

    This real-time kinematics (RTK) evaluation kit (EVK) serves as a development platform for fixed or mobile high-precision positioning and navigation needs.

    The RTK EVK comes with a range of options for prototyping, including L1+L2 RTK GNSS, with L-Band correction built-in if needed, running on an agile processor.

    It features custom open-source software pre-loaded with RTK Everywhere firmware. Users can configure the EVK as an RTK base and push corrections to an NTRIP Caster or use corrections delivered through WiFi or Bluetooth.

    The integrated u-blox NEO-D9S offers L-Band reception and access to correction services such as PointPerfect. The u-blox LARA-R6001D provides global cellular connectivity, and Zero-Touch RTK offers users a simple way to receive corrections. Users can register the device and enable PointPerfect — no NTRIP credentials are required. Sparkfun Electronics, sparkfun.com

    GNSS Receiver
    With tilt compensation

    The R980 features communication capabilities to support uninterrupted field operations. It can be used for land surveying, transportation infrastructure, construction, energy, oil and gas, utilities and mining projects.

    The system features Trimble’s ProPoint GNSS positioning engine and inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based tilt compensation, making it suitable for dense urban environments and under tree canopy, removing the need to level the pole when capturing data points.

    It includes a dual-band UHF radio and an integrated worldwide LTE modem for receiving corrections from a local base station or VRS network. It supports the Trimble Internet Base Station Service (IBSS) for streaming RTK corrections using Trimble Access field software and features Trimble IonoGuard technology, which mitigates ionospheric disturbances for RTK GNSS. Trimble Geospatial, geospatial.trimble.com

    Nautical Chart Production
    Generate charts in PDF/TIF from ENC data

    CARIS AutoChart, a nautical chart production solution, is tailored to the needs of nautical chart producers. It can automatically generate charts in PDF/TIF from ENC data. Users can seamlessly import data from ENC files to create comprehensive nautical charts in PDF and/or TIF format. CARIS AutoChart can generate chart templates from existing chart portfolios maintained with CARIS paper chart composer or CARIS HPD paper chart editor.

    The software is designed to accommodate the unique needs of chart production facilities of all sizes. It can be used by hydrographic offices, port or waterways authorities.Teledyne Geospatial, teledyneimaging.com

    Upgraded GIS Platform
    Featuring native database integrations

    Felt 3.0 includes new features and native database integrations to improve the capabilities of geographic information systems (GIS). It provides modern GIS tools for teams to visualize, analyze and present important insights and map data relevant to their operations.

    Operators can directly connect Postgres/PostGIS and Snowflake databases for automated live data updates. The API allows users to create and style elements and listen to map updates via webhooks, while providing a Python SDK for professionals to continue to work in their preferred tools. Felt, felt.com

    UAV

    Gimbaled Camera
    For UAV missions

    The Gimbal 155 is a gimbaled camera designed for the UAV Survey Mission program. The GOS-155 meets UAV requirements for surveillance and rescue missions. Its optimized size, weight and power (SwaP) profile, advanced day and night ISR imaging, and embedded video processor make it ideal for any mid-sized UAV — whether VTOL or winged. With its low weight of 1.8 kg, and 155 mm, UAV platforms can increase endurance without sacrificing optical performance.

    The GOS-155 two-axial gimbal is an EO/IR system, comprising a 30x optical zoom HD (1280 x 720) visible camera paired with a fixed focal length uncooled thermal LWIR (1280 x 1024) camera. This allows users to collect intricate visuals across visible and infrared spectrums.

    It includes embedded video processing with electronic stabilization and object tracking and can be integrated with external GPS/INS with real-time target location at 20 m across multiple environments, and around 5 m using UAVOS’ Ground Control Station software. UAVOS, uavos.com

    Tactical Grade INS
    Tailored to unmanned systems

    The FN 200C combines multiple functions into a single integrated platform. It features a three-in-one strapdown system compromising motion reference unit (MRU), attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) and inertial navigation system (INS) capabilities for precise positioning, velocity and orientation data in both static and dynamic movements.

    It is equipped with fiber optic gyroscopes (FOG) and MEMS accelerometers. The FN 200C’s inertial measurement unit (IMU) offers accurate and reliable navigation data even in challenging conditions. The system supports various correction methods such as SBAS, DGPS, RTK, and PPP for real-time navigation and positioning in a wide range of applications.

    The FN 200C utilizes NovAtel OEM7, u-blox ZED-F9P or Septentrio mosaic-H GNSS receivers to provide precise positioning information across multiple GNSS constellations. With embedded anti-jamming and spoofing features, the FN 200C offers reliable operation in environments where signal interference may be present.

    The FN 200C is ideal for unmanned systems applications, including land-based surveying, aerial mapping, maritime navigation and more, delivering precise and reliable navigation data to meet the most demanding requirements. According to FIBERPRO, the system’s advanced technology, robust design and comprehensive feature set ensure that it will revolutionize navigation and operation in today’s dynamic and challenging environments. FIBERPRO, fiberpro.com

    Upgraded UAV
    With a modifiable flight controller

    The RDSX Pelican extended-range hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) delivery UAV is now offered with an easily modifiable flight controller, designed for users to more readily integrate customized flight systems and companion software.

    The RDSX Pelican combines the reliability and flight stability of a multirotor craft with the extended range of a fixed-wing airframe. Its customizable payload bay can be factory-integrated with the A2Z Drone Delivery RDS2 commercial delivery winch to support a variety of logistics operations.

    Engineered to operate within the FAA’s 55-pound max takeoff weight for Part 107 compliance, the Pelican is rated to carry payloads up to 5 kg on operations up to 40 km roundtrip. The flexibility of the Pelican’s cargo bay makes it ideal for logistics missions or deployment with payloads customized for aerial mapping, UAV inspection, forestry services, search and rescue operations, water sample collection, offshore deliveries, mining and more.

    With the RDSX Pelican now operating on the Cube flight controller (CUAV X7+), users can integrate their preferred systems — including ground control software, radio beacons and other companion software systems. A2Z Drone Delivery, a2zdronedelivery.com

    GNSS Positioning Modules
    Compatible with UAVs and robotics

    The Linnet ZED-F9P is built around u-blox’s ZED-F9P RTK module. It offers multiband signal reception including GPS L1 and L2 for precise positioning, even in areas with low satellite coverage. In addition to USB-C connectivity, it features UART, SPI and I2C interfaces for easy integration into a variety of UAV and robotics platforms.

    Linnet Mosaic X5 RTK-GNSS module is based on Septentrio’s mosaic-X5 module, with multifrequency signal tracking including GPS L5. The module features an onboard CPU that runs a full internal web-based user interface for configuration and monitoring, as well as integrated NTRIP corrections. Other capabilities include built-in anti-jamming and anti-spoofing protection and a spectrum analyzer. Systork, systork.io

    MOBILE

    “Patch-In-A-Patch” Antenna
    Maintains dual-band L1/L5 performance

    Inception is a new GNSS L1/L5 ultra-low-profile “patch-in-a-patch” antenna. The HP5354.A offers dual-band stacked patch performance in a single 35 mm x 35 mm x 4 mm form factor. This design integrates the second antenna within the first, eliminating the need for stacking parts and reducing the antenna height by 50%.

    The HP5354.A antenna features a passive, dual-feed surface mount design (SMD) to decrease weight and conserve horizontal space. This makes it suitable for GNSS applications requiring high precision and limited space. The antenna improves positioning accuracy from 3 m to 1.5 m while maintaining dual-band L1/L5 performance.

    With a passive peak gain of 2.61 dBi, the HP5354.A can be used for GPS L1/L5, BeiDou B1, Galileo E1, and GLONASS G1 operations. Its dual-feed design maintains circular polarization gain even when the antenna is de-tuned or requires in-situ tuning.

    It is ideal for applications such as asset tracking, smart agriculture, industrial tracking, commercial UAVs and autonomous vehicles. The HP5354.A uses Taoglas’ custom electro-ceramics formula, ensuring high-quality performance and seamless integration into devices requiring high-precision GNSS.

    The Taoglas HC125A hybrid coupler can combine the dual feeds for the L1 patch, offering high RHCP gain and optimal axial ratio for upper constellations including GPS L1, BeiDou B1, Galileo E1 and GLONASS G1. The Taoglas TFM.100B L1/L5 front-end module can be incorporated into the device PCB, aiming to save valuable real estate and up to two years of complex design work, according to the company. Taoglas, taoglas.com

    Waterproof GNSS Antenna
    Built-in LNA

    The external antenna features an adhesive mount and sealed IP67-rated waterproof protection. It is an active GPS/GNSS antenna that includes a built-in low noise amplifier (LNA) for enhanced performance, making it ideal for applications where the receiver is close to the antenna and in environments where signal strength is strong, such as open areas with a clear line of sight.

    This type of antenna can amplify weak signals received from satellites by improving signal quality and reducing noise. It requires an external power source to operate the built-in LNA and is less sensitive to signal loss due to longer cable lengths. It is connected to an SMA connector at the end of a 3 m pigtail. The antennas can be used in navigation, location-based services and fleet management applications. Amphenol RF, amphenolrf.com

    DEFENSE

    AI and Quantum-Powered Navigation System
    When GPS signals are compromised

    AQNav is designed for navigation across air, land and sea when GPS signals are jammed or unavailable.

    AQNav is a geomagnetic navigation system that uses proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, powerful quantum sensors and the Earth’s crustal magnetic field. The system seeks to provide an un-jammable, all-weather, terrain-agnostic, real-time navigation solution in situations where GPS signals are unavailable, denied or spoofed.

    The system uses extremely sensitive quantum magnetometers to acquire data from Earth’s crustal magnetic field, which exhibits geographically unique patterns. It uses AI algorithms to compare this data against known magnetic maps, allowing the system to quickly and accurately find its position.

    It is available globally, does not rely on visual ground features or satellite transmissions to function and is not affected by weather conditions. AQNav can be integrated into a wide variety of platforms. Its passive technology emits no electronic signals, which reduces the aircraft’s detectability. SandboxAQ, sandboxaq.com

    PNT Solution
    Operates with or without GNSS signals

    TRNAV is a terrestrial navigation solution designed to operate with or without GNSS signals.

    It establishes a mesh network of ground stations capable of operating independently from GNSS by using precise pre-established locations or connecting to GNSS when available. TRNAV’s synchronized timing system ensures a minimal drift of 10 ns during a week without GNSS.

    The system features a re-synchronization capability that allows the entire network to be updated instantly when just one station reconnects to a GNSS satellite, maintaining high precision across all platforms. Users can integrate mobile stations to enhance network flexibility and range, with the potential to cover distances up to 250 km.

    TRNAV also offers a high-bandwidth communication channel for communication capabilities within the established network. The system employs AES-256 encryption and advanced waveform technologies, including DSSS/FHSS for robust and secure operations in challenging environments. TUALCOM, tualcom.com

    Software-Defined Radio
    Designed for mission-critical systems

    Calamine is a four-channel wide tuning range software-defined radio (SDR) that can be integrated into mission-critical systems for the defense, GNSS, communications and test and measurement markets.

    The SDR offers a tuning range from near DC to 40 GHz with four independent receiver radio chains, each offering 300 MSPS sampling bandwidth. It is tailored to government, defense and intelligence communities and civil users with direct applications for radar systems, signal intelligence, spectrum monitoring and satellite communications systems. Per Vices, pervices.com

    C-UAS Solution
    For electronic warfare

    The Skyjacker is a multi-domain electronic warfare counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS), suitable against swarms and high-speed threats. It is designed as a response to threats posed by UAVs in the battlespace and at sensitive installations.

    Skyjacker alters the trajectory of a UAS by simulating the GNSS signals that guide it toward its target.

    Skyjacker is particularly well suited to countering saturation attacks, such as swarming UAVs. The system also can defeat isolated drones piloted remotely by an operator and deliver effects at ranges from 1 km to 10 km (6 mi).

    It can be integrated with an array of sensors, such as optronic sights, radars, radiofrequency detectors, lasers, communication jammers and other effectors. Skyjacker can be deployed as a mobile version or interconnected with existing surveillance and fire control systems on land vehicles or naval vessels. Safran Electronics & Defense, safran-group.com

  • Autonomous vehicles connect the world

    Autonomous vehicles connect the world

    Image: gorodenkoff iStock/Getty / Images Plus/Getty Images
    Image: gorodenkoff iStock/Getty / Images Plus/Getty Images

    Autonomous vehicles are a truly fascinating innovation. Most modern vehicles on roadways around the world have some level of autonomy, ranging from Level 1 features such as cruise control to Level 5 fully autonomous features such as the ability to monitor roadway conditions and perform safety-critical tasks without intervention by a human driver.

    Even though autonomous vehicles have been continually developed and tested for years, adoption has been minimal. According to the University of Michigan Center for Sustainable Systems, a majority of researchers, manufacturers and experts predict widespread adoption of Level 5 autonomous vehicles by 2030 or later.

    Several barriers have delayed the adoption of autonomous vehicles, such as concerns about safety, data security and cyberattacks; lack of consumer demand; liability laws and lack of regulatory legislation; and doubts as to their economic viability.

    While their adoption is slow, autonomous vehicles have been widely praised for the range of benefits they would provide. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, they include: much greater road safety due to features such as advanced driver assistance systems, lidar, cameras, inertial navigation systems and more; greater independence for people with disabilities, senior citizens and low-income individuals; reduced road congestion due to the lower number of crashes and an increase in ride-sharing; and environmental benefits as the automotive industry transitions to all-electric vehicles.

    Several technology and automotive companies also have seen the potential benefits of autonomous vehicles for many applications and the potential impact they could have on communities worldwide. In response, these companies have supported autonomous vehicle innovation and adoption by offering new products and working closely with educators, nonprofit organizations and other groups who aim to leverage it to connect the world.

    Education meets automated racing

    Safran Electronics & Defense, which specializes in resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions, has advanced the adoption of autonomous vehicles with its simulation software while simultaneously supporting current students in their academic pursuits.

    To jointly develop future PNT technology and solutions Safran’s Minerva Academic Partnership Program supports partnerships with the academic community by providing its technology for student-led research projects that use GNSS signals. Leisa Butler, the program’s chair, elaborated on its mission: “Collaborating with our customers in academia while advancing PNT education is the program’s core purpose. We provide members with access to our powerful Skydel GNSS simulation engine.”

    Safran and auburn university students are pictured with their autonomous F1 race car that competed in the Indy Autonomous Challenge on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway at CES 2023. Auburn students used Skydel, a Safran simulation engine, to improve the capabilities of the car and to learn how to make it safe and reliable on the track. (Image: Safran Electronics & Defense)
    Safran and auburn university students are pictured with their autonomous F1 race car that competed in the Indy Autonomous Challenge on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway at CES 2023. Auburn students used Skydel, a Safran simulation engine, to improve the capabilities of the car and to learn how to make it safe and reliable on the track. (Image: Safran Electronics & Defense)

    As a part of the program, Safran has a long-established partnership with Auburn University’s College of Engineering. Safran and Auburn University students participated in the Indy Autonomous Challenge, which took place on January 7, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show. Nine autonomous Formula 1 race cars, representing colleges and universities from around the world, took part in a head-to-head driverless racing competition with some vehicles reaching speeds of more than 190 mph.

    Safran has supported Auburn students before, during, and after this challenge by enabling them to leverage its GNSS simulators, such as Skydel and the GSG-8, which are used in the university’s autonomous vehicle lab. Butler said that giving students access to the simulation software prior to the high-speed races helped them troubleshoot and test the vehicles and improve the results.

    “Resolving issues in the lab improves safety while saving time and money,” Butler stated. “The Indy car features multiple antennas. Since Skydel can support multiple instances simultaneously, the team can test heading and realistic scenarios in a simulated environment. This is before they race next to other vehicles at high speeds.

    Safran also supports the general advancement of autonomous vehicle technology. Positioning and navigating autonomous vehicles involves the use of multiple technologies, including GNSS.

    “Skydel is a valuable tool for the autonomous vehicle industry that wants realistic lab testing because it can support multiple, independent trajectories or antenna outputs simultaneously,” Butler said. She also pointed to the importance of developing mitigation techniques against jamming and spoofing.

    “Using a simulator with the Skydel engine allows the user to test in all sorts of challenging environments before putting the wheels on the pavement. This lets the user make sure the vehicle is ready for real-world navigation and avoid costly mistakes. It also gives them a chance to practice and develop countermeasures against unintentional interference and malicious actors.”

    Butler added that Safran is proud to support students who are helping to develop automated technology.

    “Supporting Auburn’s Autonomous Vehicle team is an honor and a privilege. Student research represents the future of our industry,” Butler said. “We are proud to support them and see what they can accomplish with our simulation tools. We are confident that they will be able to gain valuable insights that will help them design, build and test their autonomous vehicles. It is our hope that their hard work will lead to the development of safe, efficient and affordable autonomous vehicles in the future.”

    Accelerating mobility

    Waymo, based in Mountain View, California, is an autonomous driving technology company. Formerly known as the Google self-driving car project, it was founded in 2009 and aimed to drive more than 10 uninterrupted 100-mile routes autonomously.

    Its first fully autonomous ride on public roads took place in 2015, then Waymo became an independent self-driving technology company in 2016. It launched its first public trial of autonomous ride-hailing vehicles, called Waymo One, in Phoenix, Arizona in 2017, and has expanded its completely autonomous ride-hailing service trials to Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles.

    The Waymo vehicle fleet also became fully electric this year.

    360° Lidar, Radar, and cameras make up most of the technical elements of the fifth-generation Waymo fully autonomous vehicles. They also have redundant steering and braking, backup power systems, redundant inertial measurement systems for positioning, and more. (Image: Waymo)
    360° Lidar, Radar, and cameras make up most of the technical elements of the fifth-generation Waymo fully autonomous vehicles. They also have redundant steering and braking, backup power systems, redundant inertial measurement systems for positioning, and more. (Image: Waymo)

    Driving Change

    According to its website, Waymo “represent[s] a diverse set of communities and interests, and we are coming together because we all share the belief that autonomous driving cars can save lives, improve independence, and create new mobility options.”

    Some of Waymo’s community partners include Bike MS, the Arizona Council of the Blind, the Foundation for Senior Living, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

    One community story to note is Waymo’s partnership with First Pace AZ — a supportive housing community for adults with autism, Down syndrome and other types of neurodiversity — to explore how Waymo could aid neurodiverse people.

    Eli is a resident of First Place AZ and an adult with neurodiversity. He does not drive and relies heavily on ride-hailing services, carpooling, and the train to get to work and to volunteer. Not all public transportation is always available or accessible at certain hours. Additionally, human-driven rideshare and carpooling services can present bias from drivers and other passengers who do not understand the behavioral nuances of people who are neurodiverse.

    To test the autonomous ride-hail Waymo One system, Eli and Natasha Grant, director of workplace and community inclusion at First Place AZ, hailed a ride to a local animal shelter.

    After using the Waymo One service, Eli believed Waymo’s technology could help him stay connected to his community, wherever he may live in the future. Grant added that autonomous vehicles provide independence for individuals who may otherwise not be able to go to places to which they want and need to go.

    Breaking social barriers

    Community partners that fight food insecurity use Cruise’s autonomous vehicles to pick up left over food from businesses. (Image: Cruise)
    Community partners that fight food insecurity use Cruise’s autonomous vehicles to pick up left over food from businesses. (Image: Cruise)

    Cruise is a self-driving car company based in San Francisco, California, and offers driverless rides in San Francisco; Austin, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. It was founded in 2013 by Kyle Vogt and acquired by General Motors in 2016.

    Cruise first offered driverless ride-share services for its employees in 2017. In early 2020, the company began testing those driverless rides on public roads in San Francisco. Later that year, Cruise switched gears and repurposed a portion of its all-electric autonomous vehicle fleet to deliver meals to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also began self-driving delivery trials in Arizona.

    In 2021, Cruise announced plans for international driverless testing and expansion in Dubai and Japan. The next year, it opened its fully driverless service to public riders in San Francisco.

    Delivering Hope

    Cruise works with several community partners, such as the National Federation of the Blind, the SF-Marin Food Bank, and the San Francisco Giants.

    “At Cruise, our commitment to social impact is a vital part of our business and an extension of our mission to improve life in our cities, especially for people underserved by transportation today,” the Cruise website stated.

    In June, Cruise partnered with Replate — a nonprofit food rescue platform — to fight food insecurity and food waste in San Francisco and other communities. The partnership aims to use Cruise’s all-electric autonomous vehicle fleet, integrated with a national network of food recovery partnership from Replate, to pick up leftover food from local businesses and deliver it to organizations that help fight food insecurity.

    The goal of the partnership is to create a sustainable cycle of food rescue that fights hunger and waste in local communities.

  • Safran, Terran Orbital partner to produce satellite electric propulsion systems

    Safran, Terran Orbital partner to produce satellite electric propulsion systems

     

    Image: Terran Orbital
    Image: Terran Orbital

    Safran Electronics & Defense and Terran Orbital have partnered to study and validate the prerequisites to produce an electric propulsion system for satellites in the United States, based on Safran’s PPSX00 plasma thruster.

    Under the partnership, Safran and Terran Orbital will investigate the technical, industrial and economic prerequisites for Safran’s PPSX00 plasma thrusters are designed to meet the mobility requirements of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, such as offering a higher degree of spacecraft maneuverability to avoid collisions and a system to safely deorbit LEO satellites at the end of their service life.

    “Our alliance with Terran Orbital will contribute to the emergence of a complementary source of supply for electric propulsion systems to meet the growing needs of the space industry,” Jean-Marie Bétermier, senior vice president of space, Safran Electronics & Defense, said.

    Electric propulsion uses electrical and/or magnetic fields to accelerate mass to high speed – thus, generating thrust to modify the velocity of a spacecraft in orbit.

  • Greece selects Safran Patroller for tactical UAV fleet

    Greece selects Safran Patroller for tactical UAV fleet

     

    Image: Safran Electronics & Defense
    Image: Safran Electronics & Defense

    Safran Electronics & Defense has been selected by the Greek army (officially called the Hellenic Armed Forces) to enhance its tactical UAV fleet by incorporating four Patroller tactical UAVs. NATO‘s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) facilitated the contract on behalf of the Greek army during the Paris Air Show 2023.

    Set to be implemented by 2024, the Patrollers will operate alongside Greece’s current fleet of 16 Sperwer tactical unmanned aircraft from Sagem, a French defense company. Greece also requested three ground stations.

    The Patroller achieved a milestone in February 2023 when it became the first tactical UAV system officially certified to NATO airworthiness standard STANAG 4671.

    Equipped with multiple sensors designed for intelligence missions, the Patroller UAV serves the needs of armies and homeland security forces. With an autonomy of more than 15 hours, the Patroller UAV also features a high payload capacity — allowing the integration of various specialized sensors and weapons, which enables it to meet diverse operational requirements.