New 95G and 250G accelerometers and 4000°/sec gyroscope ranges deliver navigation solution integrity in high-dynamic environments, supporting interceptors, missiles and hypersonic platforms.
VectorNav Technologies has announced 95G and 250G accelerometer and 4000°/sec gyroscope ranges across its Tactical Series inertial measurement unit (IMU) and inertial navigation system (INS) product line.
The enhancement directly addresses urgent requirements from defense contractors and platform developers operating in high-G mission profiles.
Defense modernization priorities are accelerating procurements of interceptors, missiles, and hypersonic platforms that must operate through launch, interception, and aggressive maneuvering — often in environments where GPS is denied or degraded. In these conditions, navigation performance depends on the IMU’s ability to maintain solution integrity without saturating.
The extended-range Tactical Series is designed to meet that requirement, providing the core inertial measurements that enable resilient position, navigation, and timing (PNT) solutions to operate through mission-critical flight phases where conventional sensors fail.
“The demand signal from our customers has been unmistakable,” said Jakub Maslikowski, VP of Business Development. “As platforms become faster, more maneuverable, and face increasingly sophisticated threats, high-performance inertial navigation solutions are needed at scale to meet the evolving demand. With nearly 20 years supporting these mission profiles, we know these applications—and the extended-range gyro and accelerometer will enable faster integration and more rapid fielding of reliable systems.”
The extended-range accelerometer and gyroscope are available across the full VN-110 IMU and VN-210 / VN-310 INS product family, supporting applications including:
high-speed interceptor platforms
rapid-response strike systems
hypersonic and advanced maneuvering vehicles
counter-UAS and air defense systems
next-generation precision guidance
The extended-range configurations are drop-in compatible with existing platforms — no changes to form, fit or function — enabling immediate upgrades without redesign.
VectorNav Technologies has participated in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) NAVFEST 2024 Test Event held May 6-17, 2024. The event was hosted by the 746th Test Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR).
NAVFEST provides the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and industry partners the opportunity to test and evaluate products and solutions in real-world GNSS-contested conditions to enhance systems’ robustness and resilience in these environments.
VectorNav’s evaluated its solutions in GNSS-contested scenarios to continue advancing its capabilities for robust position, navigation and timing (PNT). The VectorNav team tested a variety of systems on both aerial and ground-based platforms and conducted both static and dynamic maneuvers.
During the event, VectorNav evaluated a variety of its single and dual-antenna GNSS-aided inertial navigation systems (INS) products, including the VN-210, VN-310, VN-210-S, VN-200, VN-300, VN-210E and VN-310E in various configurations. Additionally, these products were tested in combination with a variety of additional PNT systems, including external tactical and navigation grade IMUs, M-Code GPS receivers, anti-jam antennas, commercial L1/L2/L5 GNSS receivers in varied configurations and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite receivers.
The data collected from the event are being analyzed to further refine and improve the company’s solutions in GNSS-contested environments.
VectorNav Technologies has released two products, the VN-210-S and VN-310-S, which expand its tactical series of GNSS-aided inertial navigation systems (INS).
The VN-210-S GNSS/INS combines a tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprised of a 3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer with a triple-frequency GNSS receiver. The integrated 448-channel GNSS receiver from Septentrio adds several capabilities, including L5 frequencies, moving baseline real-time kinematic with centimeter-level accuracy, support for Galileo OSNMA and robust interference mitigation.
These capabilities and high-quality hardware offer improved positioning performance in radio frequency-congested and GNSS-denied environments.
Image: VectorNav
The VN-310-S dual GNSS/INS leverages VectorNav’s tactical-grade IMU and integrates two 448-channel GNSS receivers to enable GNSS-compassing for accurate heading estimations in stationary and low-dynamic operations. The VN-310-S also gains support for OSNMA and robust interference mitigation, offering reliable position data across a variety of applications and environments.
The VN-210-S and VN-310-S are packaged in a precision milled, anodized aluminum enclosure designed to MIL standards and are IP68-rated. For ultra-low SWaP applications, VectorNav has introduced L5 capabilities to the VN-210E (embedded) when using an externally integrated L5-band GNSS receiver.
A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the November 2020 issue of GPS World magazine.
OEM
GNSS receiver
Sub-decimeter accuracy without additional service subscription
The AsteRs-m2-Sx. (Photo: Septentrio)
The SECORX-S product line, which first offered GNSS OEM boards, now also includes a compact mosaic-Sx module and ruggedized receiver in an IP68 chassis, the AsteRx SB Sx. The multi-constellation multi-frequency SECORX-S receivers deliver sub-decimeter positioning without the need for additional correction service subscription or maintenance. The PPP-RTK correction service is integrated directly into Septentrio’s core GNSS technology. The addition of modules and boxed receivers to the SECORX-S line providesz accurate positioning to applications such as precision agriculture, UAVs, robotics and construction.
Smart Power GNSS signal splitters improve GNSS service reliability and minimize service interruptions. The professional-grade splitters — TW162 (one antenna/two receivers) and TW164 (one antenna/four receivers) — offer system redundancy and fail-over capability. The splitters are designed to improve GNSS service reliability and reduce signal reception failures. Both splitters offer system redundancy and fail-over capability. They support GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, QZSS-L6, GLONASS-G1/G2/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b/E6, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a/B3 and L-band correction services.
The EM919x 5G NR Sub-6 GHz and mmWave embedded modules include an integrated GNSS receiver. Based on the industry-standard M.2 form factor, the modules will enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to securely deploy 5G connectivity worldwide at the highest possible speeds with ultra-low latency for routers and gateways. The modules support mmWave, sub-6 GHz and LTE, as defined by the 3GPP Release 15 standard. Applications include private networks, enterprise networking, edge processing, live streaming, video security, e-gaming, smart factories, robotics, drones, virtual reality, machine learning, and new Industrial IoT applications.
Tactical Embedded series of GNSS/IMUs. (Photo: VectorNav)
The Tactical Embedded series of GNSS/IMUs feature a tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a multi-band GNSS receiver. The line delivers milliradian attitude accuracy and centimeter-level positioning capability in a miniature 15-gram package. The small size enables cost reductions for a range of autonomous pointing and geo-referencing applications such as gimballed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); satellite communication systems; lidar mapping; and photogrammetry. The line supports external SAASM GPS for defense applications in ISR, electronic warfare, munitions and UAV navigation. The line includes the VN-110E IMU/AHRS, the VN-210E GNSS-aided inertial navigation system (INS), and the VN-310E dual-antenna GNSS/INS.
VectorNav Technologies, vectornav.com
GNSS/INS Sensor
Designed for dynamic environments
Photo: CHCNAV
The CGI-610 GNSS/INS high-precision dual-antenna receiver offers reliable and accurate navigation and positioning for demanding land, marine and aerial applications. The tight fusion of the latest GNSS technology with an industrial-grade MEMS IMU is powered by CHCNAV’s algorithms to deliver accurate hybrid position, attitude and velocity data, even in complex and obstructed environments where GNSS outages can occur. The CGI-610 supports data output up to 100 Hz to meet the requirements of highly dynamic applications such as airplane, train and automobile. An optional external odometer sensor for ground vehicles can provide an additional measurement of displacement and speed, which is fused with the GNSS/INS navigation solution.
Bad Elf Flex is a scalable-accuracy GNSS receiver with a daily option to choose between L-band and real-time kinematic (RTK). In standard configuration, it achieves 30-60 cm accuracy in real time for GIS use. Consuming a Bad Elf Flex Token unlocks a full RTK workflow for a 24-hour period to deliver 1-cm horizontal accuracy. Bad Elf Flex stores the tokens directly on the receiver, making them available for use anytime. Customers requiring high accuracy at all times can purchase the Bad Elf Flex Extreme bundle, with RTK capabilities permanently unlocked, for a one-time upgrade fee.
The R550 data collector features an industrial-level design and new hardware platform to ensure efficiency and productivity in the field. The IP67 dust-and-waterproof rating protects the R550 from most harsh environments. Equipping it with a 7,000 mA Li-ion battery allows more than 14 hours of continuous operation, while fast-charging technology means four hours for a full charge. The 5-inch-wide sunlight-readable, high-resolution screen provides a smooth experience for any operation. The integrated autofocusing camera helps enhance job documentation by taking photos on site and sharing job information with colleagues. Survey Master field software available on the R550 controller ensures efficient surveys in the field, including topographic surveys, stakeouts, coordinate geometry (COGO) and more. Powered by the Android 8.1 operating system and designed with 4G RAM, 64GB ROM and 4G/BT/Wi-Fi on board, users can run other third-party apps based on their specific requirements.
The Trimble AP+ Air OEM solution provides direct georeferencing of airborne sensor data and enables users to accurately and efficiently produce maps and 3D models without the use of ground control points. It is designed for manned platforms, yet small enough for use on UAVs. It is also compatible with airborne remote sensors, including photogrammetric cameras, lidar, hyper- and multi-spectral cameras, and synthetic aperture radar. The Trimble AP+ Air features dual embedded survey-grade GNSS chipsets, an onboard inertial measurement unit (IMU), an external IMU, and the new Applanix IN-Fusion+ GNSS-aided inertial firmware. It is configurable to support the direct georeferencing accuracy demands of low-flying UAVs and high-altitude manned platforms. Trimble AP+ Air is supported by Applanix POSPac MMS post-processing software with CenterPoint RTX post-processing for centimeter-level positioning anywhere in the world without the need for base stations.
American-made drone aimed at government agencies and military
Photo: Teal
The Teal Golden Eagle drone is designed for short-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It features a FLIR Handron dual-camera sensor on a two-axis stabilizer, giving it color vision at 4K 60 fps and thermal vision for extended operations. The payload is hot-swappable. It has a flight time of up to 50 minutes and can fly at speeds of 50 mph with a range of 2 miles. It is able to fly in wind speeds of up to 30 mph and can operate between –32° and 110° Fahrenheit. Forward-facing obstacle avoidance and rear-facing visual-inertial odometry estimates location without the need for GPS. The platform has received approval from the Department of Defense.
A new line of AccuAuto triple-band antennas are designed to provide strong clean code and phase signals to enable high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) and precise point positioning (PPP) navigation. Model TWA928 supports GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, GLONASS-G1/G2/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a and NavIC-L5 signals and frequency bands (the TWA928L includes support for L-band correction services). The AccuAuto line features patented Accutenna technology multi-constellation and multi-frequency antenna elements as well as an integrated ground plane, a radome and an underside cover that provides mist and condensation protection. A deep pre-filter minimizes out-of-band noise and maximizes in-band reception. All AccuAuto components are certified and designed to perform under challenging environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures (–40° C to +125° C), shock and vibration.
The CheetahNAV provides situational awareness for harsh environments and battlefield conditions, providing the crew of a light military vehicle with highly accurate position information through an advanced inertial measurement system (IMS) comprising several aids, including a gyro-compensated compass and an advanced Kalman-filter-based algorithm. The system provides dead-reckoning horizontal position accuracy of 0.2% of distance traveled in a GNSS-denied situation — accuracy of 200 meters over 100 kilometers. It can integrate with inertial navigation systems (INS). Combined with GNSS and compass information, the system enables dead-reckoning and accurate positioning of the vehicle in tactical situations. The tactical-grade integral inertial measurement unit (IMU) ensures jam-free operation.
Tactical Embedded series of GNSS/IMUs. (Photo: VectorNav)
Embedded navigation company VectorNav Technologies has introduced a new line of inertial products: the VectorNav Tactical Embedded series of GNSS/IMUs.
Featuring a tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a multi-band GNSS receivers, the Tactical Embedded delivers milliradian attitude accuracy and centimeter-level positioning capability in a miniature 15-gram package.
VectorNav’s Tactical Embedded line is in a new smaller size, and enables cost reductions for a wide range of autonomous pointing and geo-referencing applications. These include gimballed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), SATCOM systems, lidar mapping and photogrammetry, among many others.
The Tactical Embedded line supports external SAASM GPS for defense applications in ISR, electronic warfare, munitions and UAV navigation.
“The Tactical Embedded is the culmination of years of development to bring milliradian-level attitude performance and robust positioning into a form factor that represents a disruptive step in inertial navigation capability,” said VectorNav President John Brashear. “Systems integrators worldwide can now embed tactical-grade inertial navigation capabilities into their electronics, unlocking a range of new applications and possibilities.”
Designed and engineered at VectorNav’s AS9100-certified facility in Dallas, Texas, the Tactical Embedded line includes the VN-110E IMU/AHRS, the VN-210E GNSS-aided inertial navigation system (INS), and the VN-310E Dual Antenna GNSS/INS.
Highlights include:
0.05-0.1° heading; 0.015° pitch and roll
1 m horizontal and 1.5 m vertical position accuracy
VectorNav Technologies’ tactical series line of inertial measurement units (IMUs) and GNSS-aided inertial navigation systems (GNSS/INS) have completed independent testing for MIL-STD-810G, DO-160G, MIL-STD-1275E and MIL-STD-461.
Completion of the MIL-STD and DO-160 qualification tests proves the robustness of the tactical series to a range of temperature, shock, vibration and other environments, as well as conformance to numerous electrical interface and EMI standards.
The testing demonstrates an advantage of the tactical series for defense and aerospace applications. Other advantages are the modules’ SWAP-C (size, weight, power and cost) and performance characteristics.
“There is high demand for dependable, tactical-grade navigation solutions that perform in challenging environmental and operating conditions,” stated VectorNav Director of Sales and Marketing Jakub Maslikowski.
VectorNav’s tactical series includes the VN-110 IMU/AHRS, the VN-210 GNSS/INS and the VN-310 GNSS-compass aided GNSS/INS.
VectorNav’s new Tactical Series includes the VN-110 IMU/AHRS, the VN-210 GPS/INS and the VN-310 dual-antenna GPS/INS. (Photo: GPS World)
The products include an onboard tactical-grade IMU (<1˚/hr in-run gyro bias stability), along with VectorNav’s proprietary filtering, INS and GNSS-compass algorithms.
The products offer 1 to 2 mrad attitude performance in compact, rugged enclosures and include a 10-pin auxiliary port for integration with external real-time kinematic and SAASM-based GNSS receivers, as well as higher-performance IMUs.
Testing for the MIL-STD and DO-160 standards was performed by independent, certified testing companies in Plano, Texas, and Huntsville, Alabama.
Inertial sensor companies KVH Industries and VectorNav Technologies partnered so that KVH’s fiber optic gyro-based 1750 and 1775 IMUs can now be offered to enhance the operation of VectorNav’s VN-210 and VN-310 Tactical Series GNSS-aided inertial navigation systems. In this video, VectorNav’s Jeremy Davis offers an overview of the partnership.
The products are on display in KVH’s (#2600) and VectorNav’s (#2214) booths at the AUVSI Xponential conference in Denver, Colorado, taking place April 30-May 3.
The VectorNav Tactical Series products with KVH’s FOG-based inertial measurement units (IMUs) combine the precision and reliability of KVH’s FOG technology with the robust filters and high-performance navigation algorithms of VectorNav’s inertial navigation systems.
The combined capabilities represent an affordable, effective alternative to larger, higher-cost inertial navigation systems and provide improved accuracy in challenging environments, the companies said.
Photo: VectorNav/KVH
VectorNav’s Tactical Series includes an onboard micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-based IMU, which provides some advantages for customers who have constraints in terms of size and weight in their navigation and stabilization applications.
However, in terms of inertial accuracy, the most demanding applications require performance that can only be delivered by FOG-based IMUs, for which KVH is a leading provider.
The VectorNav Tactical Series products with KVH FOG-based IMUs are designed for such applications as:
Satcom On The Move
gimbal and camera pointing and stabilization
weapons systems targeting and stabilization
autonomous vehicle navigation
lidar mapping
georeferencing
or any application where MEMS-based solutions are unable to deliver sufficient accuracy and precision.
Watch this video from Xponential 2018 to learn more about the partnership.
A single cable connects the two systems, running from KVH’s 1750 IMU or 1775 IMU directly to the auxiliary port on the VN-210 or VN-310. This pairing creates a fully integrated FOG-based inertial navigation system designed to provide a high-accuracy, continuous positioning, velocity, and attitude solution.
KVH is a leading innovator for assured navigation and autonomous accuracy using high-performance sensors and integrated inertial systems. KVH’s widely fielded TACNAV systems are in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as well as many allied militaries around the world.
KVH’s FOGs and FOG-based IMUs are in use today in a wide variety of applications ranging from optical, antenna, and sensor stabilization systems to mobile mapping solutions and autonomous platforms and cars.
“We are pleased to feature KVH technology in our Tactical Series and give our customers the option of utilizing a FOG-based IMU for higher precision performance to support a wide range of demanding applications,” said Jakub Maslikowski, director of sales and marketing for VectorNav.
“The combination of VectorNav’s Tactical Series products with our FOG-based IMUs provides a great solution for applications that require advanced inertial navigation capability and FOG-level IMU performance,” said Jay Napoli, vice president of FOG/OEM sales for KVH.
A: The availability and quality of GPS in the application is critical. Industrial-grade MEMS IMUs can provide survey-grade performance when high-quality GPS is continuously available, but even tactical-grade MEMS cannot provide more than a couple of minutes of GPS-denied navigation. The level of integration between the two technologies is also important. Even comparing two systems using the same sensors, the performance is highly dependent on the ability of the system designer to leverage their respective strengths.
A: Successful integration of inertial sensors with GNSS requires understanding both the goals and environment of the application. Consider the required accuracy of attitude and position, severity of GNSS obstructions, expected dynamics and environmental conditions. Tradeoffs in size, power and cost narrow the choices, but achieving the desired performance is more nuanced. Data sheets for IMUs can also be notoriously difficult to compare. My advice is to focus on the goals and listen to the experts.
A: There is a clear need for reliable consumer-grade GNSS/INS in GNSS-degraded environments. In this case, two key aspects are: removal of measurement outliers, mostly caused by multipath; and adequate modeling of inertial errors. The first aspect is efficiently addressed via residual monitoring, especially with GNSS carrier phase. A 15-state INS error model is generally sufficient. Yet, modeling parameters and contribution of other terms such as axis misalignment must be evaluated using test data.
Red Bull Air Race has selected the VectorNav VN-300 dual-antenna GNSS-aided inertial navigation system (INS) as its primary source of aircraft telemetry data for Master Class raceplanes participating in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.
Weighing less than 30 grams, the VectorNav VN-300 is a tiny dual-antenna GNSS-aided INS. It is used in applications ranging from autonomous vehicles to antenna pointing for satellite communication and aerial surveillance applications.
The inaugural event of the 2018 season in Abu Dhabi saw the VN-300, manufactured by VectorNav Technologies, used for the first time in all 14 aircraft to provide real-time telemetry data used for judging, in-race simulation and virtual reality applications.
Created in 2003, the world championship has held more than 80 races around the globe. The motorsport competition combines speed, precision and skill.
U.S. pilot Michael Goulian performs during the finals at the first round of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 3.(Photo: Andreas Langreiter, Red Bull Content Pool)
Using the fastest, most agile, lightweight racing planes, pilots hit speeds of 370 km/h while enduring forces of up to 10 G as they navigate a low-level slalom track marked by 25-meter-high, air-filled pylons. Pilots incur time penalties for hitting pylons, incorrectly passing through air gates or only exceeding 10 G for more than 0.6 seconds, among others.
Being an individual sport, spectators need a reference to see the difference between the pilots’ lines and speed through the racetrack. Red Bull Air Race Live TV uses an augmented reality (AR) solution known as the Ghost Plane to display the trajectory of the pilots’ runs for real-time comparison in the head-to-head rounds and the Final 4 that decides the winner of the race by time.
The Ghost Plane is driven by the position, velocity and attitude data gathered during flight from the onboard INS.
Critical to the success of the Ghost Plane is the accuracy of the telemetry data, which, given the high dynamics experienced during flight, is extremely difficult to obtain.
For example, as a plane races through a chicane and into a vertical turn maneuver, GPS signals are lost and the INS needs to rely solely on the inertial sensors to accurately estimate the position and velocity until GPS is fixed again in level flight.
The VectorNav VN-300. (Photo: VectorNav)
“We evaluated several different inertial navigation systems and struggled to find one that was able to perform in our dynamics,” said Alvaro Navas, sport technical manager for the Red Bull Air Race. “VectorNav’s VN-300 was the only product able to deliver the attitude, position and velocity data accuracy we require, and it did this out of the box, no customization was required. The sensor is really amazing.”
“We are really excited to be working with Red Bull Air Race,” said Gordon Hain, VectorNav product manager. “Not only are we able to provide accurate data for the race judges and spectators, but we are also able to provide valuable information to pilots and tacticians. With the VectorNav data in hand, they are able to compare actual flight trajectories with their simulations to find areas for improvement. We are looking forward to continued work with Red Bull Air Race in the 2018 season and beyond.”
VectorNav’s new Tactical Series includes the VN-110 IMU/AHRS, the VN-210 GPS/INS and the VN-310 dual-antenna GPS/INS.
VectorNav Technologies, a provider of inertial navigation solutions, has received accreditation for the AS9100 Rev. D international aerospace standard for its Dallas headquarters.
Based on ISO 9001 standards, the AS9100 standard is a set of quality requirements established by the aerospace industry to satisfy DOD, NASA and Federal Aviation Administration quality requirements.
Founded in 2008, VectorNav is an innovator of miniature, high-performance micro-electro-mechanical systems and GPS/GNSS-based inertial navigation systems.
Recent releases include VectorNav’s surface mount VN-100 IMU/AHRS, VN-200 GPS/INS and VN-300 dual-antenna GNSS/INS, in a new tactical-grade line of inertial navigation systems.
The AS9100 accreditation marks VectorNav’s achievement in demonstrating the highest level of manufacturing, quality and customer service standards. The certification represents the company’s ability and commitment to deliver to its customers worldwide the highest quality miniature inertial navigation systems, from rapid procurement during testing and development to high-volume capacity for integration and production, the company said.
“Earning the AS9100 designation for our Dallas facility demonstrates that we are a highly capable supplier to the global aerospace industry,” said Scott MacDonald, process and quality engineer at VectorNav. “Operating to the highest standards of quality has always been a core principle for us, and this certification reflects our continued commitment to ensure our processes and systems deliver products and services that exceed our customers’ quality, cost, and speed expectations.”
VectorNav Technologies‘ Jakub Maslikowski gives GPS World an overview of its inertial navigation solutions, as well as its case studies, at Intergeo 2017 in Berlin, Germany.
