At Joint Navigation Conference (JNC) 2024, GPS World Editor-in-Chief, Matteo Luccio, met with Jon Leombrone, executive vice president of navigation systems at Safran Federal Systems to discuss Safran’s latest assured positioning, navigation and timing (A-PNT) and simulator technology.
Read more about the BroadSim Duo, Safran’s latest navigation warfare simulator.
Timing — the unglamorous yet essential T in PNT (positioning, navigation and timing) — has been called “the invisible utility.” In fact, it’s been a long time since we last put a GNSS-timing receiver on the cover. (Partly that’s because, like with simulators, it’s hard to come up with a visually compelling image that conveys the role of such a device.)
From St. Augustine (“What, then, is time? If no one asks me, I know what it is. If I wish to explain it to him who asks, I do not know.”) to theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli (who argues that time is “part of a complicated geometry woven together with the geometry of space”), time is both one of the greatest mysteries of nature and one of our most practical concerns. For satellite navigation, time is both essential to its functioning and a fabulous by-product. As David Wells and Alfred Kleusberg wrote in the first “Innovation” column, in the first issue of this magazine, “One of the by-products of getting an SPS [Standard Positioning Service] position fix is that a clock in the user’s receiver is automatically synchronized to clocks in the GPS satellites to an accuracy of one ten-millionth of a second. Therefore, any GPS receiver is a very accurate time distribution device.” (“GPS: A Multipurpose System,” January-February 1990.)
As Richard Langley wrote in another early “Innovation” column, “Thanks to minute energy changes in individual atoms of cesium and rubidium, humankind possesses the ability to synchronize clocks anywhere in the world to better than 10 nanoseconds. But given this amazing ability to measure time, we still don’t know what time actually is.” (“Time, Clocks, and GPS,” November-December 1991.)
I procrastinated the task of writing this editorial and now another aspect of time is here to impose its claim: our production deadline. So, just one anecdote and a final quote, and I will be done, just in time.
The anecdote. A quarter century ago, during my first time around on this magazine’s staff, when Glen Gibbons was the group editorial director, Alan Cameron the senior editor, and I the managing editor, we had just one meeting a month, called “edit check,” a couple of days before the deadline to send each issue to the printer. We printed out all the pages, laid them down in order around a large conference room table, and walked around the table examining each one and making notes about small final corrections and revisions.
Only one page routinely had a large empty area: It was the one for Glen’s monthly editorial, which he always finalized (wrote?) at the last possible moment. I once joked that it would be blown in at the printing plant like the magazine’s subscription cards. Well, as I finish this editorial, we are at T minus two days for the November issue. Enjoy it!
Oh, and the final quote, again from Rovelli: “The events of the world do not form an orderly queue like the English. They crowd around chaotically like the Italians.”
The Royal Navy has successfully tested a new quantum sensing technology designed for underwater detection. Conducted off the coast of Plymouth aboard HMS Magpie, the trials aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this quantum-sensing system in identifying submerged objects.
The technology leverages ultra-cold atoms to measure subtle variations in the Earth’s magnetic field, which indicate underwater objects. This method allows for the detection of items that traditional sonar systems might miss, enhancing the precision of underwater surveys.
During the tests, the system identified various targets, including a concrete block weighing one ton, and demonstrated sensitivity sufficient enough to detect objects as small as a soccer ball.
This project is part of a broader collaboration involving the Royal Navy, the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and industry partners. It reflects ongoing efforts to integrate advanced technologies into naval operations, aligning with the UK’s strategic focus on quantum technologies.
Future plans include further development and miniaturization of the quantum sensing system to enable its deployment on various naval platforms, such as ships and submarines, as well as autonomous underwater vehicles. The successful trials indicate that this technology could significantly improve the Royal Navy’s capabilities in maritime security and underwater exploration.
GPS World Editor-in-Chief Matteo Luccio sat down with Anthony McClaren, product marketing manager of geospatial technologies at Trimble, to discuss Trimble’s new R980 GNSS receiver and its implications for the geospatial surveying industry.
What’s your position?
I am on the Trimble Geospatial Go to Market team. Product marketing managers are more customer-facing, while product managers are more engineering-facing. I’m based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and I’ve worked at Trimble for almost two years, but I worked with Trimble equipment for 16 years before that for a dealership and for almost 20 years in the geospatial surveying industry. The rest of my team is based in our Westminster head office.
What’s new about Trimble’s R980? What markets does it target?
The Trimble R980 takes over from the R12i GNSS system as the flagship product in the Trimble GNSS receiver portfolio. New features include a communications update. The R12i had only a 450 MHz radio. The R980 also has a 900 MHz radio. That’s very beneficial for people who find themselves on large-scale construction sites where they use 900 MHz radios, particularly in North America. These radios are much easier to license than 450 MHz radios, which outweighs the disadvantage of having a shorter range.
The R980 can be used as either a base station or a rover, correct?
Yes. The R12i had a 3.5G modem. The R980 has a 4G LTE cellular modem. So, it’s a global cell modem and the 4G network across the globe is far more expansive than 3G or 5G. 4G LTE also offers enough data downloading for things like VRS and Trimble’s Internet Base Station Service (IBSS), a new feature in Trimble Access software that the R980 is also capable of using. IBSS is a user’s Network Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol (NTRIP).
So, you have a base station with a SIM card in the receiver. You start your base station as normal, and data is streamed to a Trimble data center. Then, you take your Rover, as we do today with a VRS survey. It has a SIM card, either in the receiver or in the controller, and you can connect directly to your base station via the Internet and stream your own corrections.
It is particularly useful if you’re not in a VRS environment or if you want to get the range of using a cellular network instead of radio. It also means that you don’t have to consider where you’re going to put your repeater, such as on the top of a hill. You don’t have to worry about these sorts of things anymore, because we’re using the Internet to stream out corrections rather than a radio.
You’re also uploading data to the office in real time.
That’s handled separately, via Trimble Connect on your data collector. It’s transferring data directly to a project.
This is your top-of-the-line, survey-grade receiver, right?
Absolutely.
In terms of cost and other considerations, for what other applications is it practical?
We’re seeing a lot of our topline receivers being used in civil construction, transportation, infrastructure projects, and mining — because the Trimble receivers are tracking all the currently available satellite signals. It means that surveyors working in an open-cut mine can be at the bottom of the pit and still achieve survey-grade results because they’re tracking so many satellites. It is also used by the more traditional, everyday land surveyors who are out there walking the streets, because the R980 with Trimble ProPoint GNSS technology allows our users to measure in the most rugged GNSS environments, such as urban canyons.
Speaking of walking down the street, the R980 is for either static deployment or slow-moving platforms, not for vehicles, right?
Correct. The mobile mappers that we see on vehicles have very high-end inertial measurement units (IMUs) to provide heading, pitch and roll and use lidar or laser scanning to take the measurements. The R980 has an IMU to enable very accurate tilt compensation up to at least 30°.
Looking at the broader trends in the industry, how do you see requirements changing? Of course, it depends on the market…
One thing that doesn’t depend on the market — I have learned this since joining Trimble — is that globally a lot of the industry is facing the same issue, which is a massive shortage of surveyors to meet the demand for them. In Australia alone, I think we’re short about 2,400 surveyors for next year. So, it’s quite a significant number. Our customers on the ground are being asked to do a lot more with a lot less.
So, Trimble’s goal with our products — whether it’s our top-of-the-line GNSS, total stations or something more entry level — is giving our customers the most productive equipment that we can so that they can do their jobs as quickly and efficiently as possible. That’s why we have such things as Trimble Connect.
So, it’s not just about single point measurement anymore. It’s about using the ecosystem to be as efficient as possible. Once I’ve taken a measurement, what am I going to do with it? Beyond that, it’s in my data collector, which is using Trimble Connect to sync to the office, where I have Trimble Business Center software. So, the surveyors and the draftspeople at the office can start work on that straightaway and keep the guy in the field working.
Concern keeps growing about spoofing and jamming, mostly for defense and life-critical applications. How do you see that affecting some of your civilian markets?
Currently, in civilian applications, most of the jamming that we’re seeing is ad hoc and unintentional, not nefarious. For example, a truck driver who uses a consumer-grade jammer plugged into his 12-volt outlet so that his boss can’t track him. It’s unpredictable. I’ve also seen banks transmitting their data back to the head office near an antenna for a CORS site and jamming it.
Trimble receivers have anti-spoofing and anti-jamming solutions. They deal with spoofing in a multi-layered way. Number one is rejection of spoof signals in the digital signal processing. Essentially, that means that a spoofed signal generally comes through with a higher correlation peak, because the transmitter is probably closer than a satellite 20,000 km away, so the receiver can isolate that signal and reject it from the positioning algorithm. Also, when it comes to spoofing and jamming, it tends to be a particular constellation and not a particular satellite. So, if you’re experiencing jamming or spoofing generally, it’s going to be all the GPS or Galileo constellation — not, say, satellite 32.
Our survey-grade receivers use the Maxwell 7 technology, which can also cross-check orbital data from multiple sources. So, it’s detecting the orbital parameters transmitted by each satellite, and it can then check if any of those have changed unexpectedly, or if they fall outside of reasonable bounds, and exclude them.
Are you utilizing any non-GNSS PNT sources, such as signals from LEO satellites?
Not today. Is there a place for them in the future? Absolutely. Is Trimble aware of such things as Xona low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites? Yes. Obviously, we would love to be using those, when they’re ready and when we have products ready.
What about AI?
AI is an interesting one. That’s obviously a hot topic, isn’t it? Today, we don’t necessarily use AI. When it comes to such products as the R980, we use mixed reality — where you have data overlaid by the camera in your controller and using your receiver and turning around, you can see your digital environment as well as your physical environment — but we are not using AI as such today. We overlay CAD data on what is physical, and it’s still three-dimensional. So, regardless of whether I turn this way or that, I can see my design in the real world.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland’s National Metrology Laboratory (NSAI NML) has launched Europe’s first verified GPS/GNSS Data Stream (VGDS) service, designed to enhance the National Timing Grid of Ireland. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Timing Solutions, seeks to provide users with secure and reliable GNSS data.
The VGDS service provides verified GNSS data via the Internet through Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) packets. This allows users to verify their own GNSS data streams to mitigate risks such as jamming and spoofing. The service is crucial for various sectors, including government organizations, public institutions, communications, energy, transportation, financial services and cloud data centers, as it provides accurate time and location data.
David Fleming, NSAI Technical Manager for Time and Frequency, emphasized the significance of this service, stating, “As Ireland’s digital economy continues to grow and more services and public safety aspects are dependent on GNSS/GPS data, the importance of verifiable GNSS/GPS data in Ireland is paramount.” The VGDS service aims to improve the resiliency of Critical Infrastructure sectors by providing safe GNSS/GPS data and signals.
A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the October 2024 issue of GPS World magazine.
Updated CAD Software
With enhanced features and workflow improvements
Topcon Positioning Systems has released a new version of its computer-aided design (CAD) software suite, formerly known as MAGNET. With enhanced features and workflow improvements to the Office, Field and Tools modules, version 9 is also renamed under the Topcon software suite as the business retires the MAGNET brand.
The software is designed for professionals such as surveyors, engineers, modelers, estimators and project managers, aiming to improve productivity through integrated software capabilities and workflows. It can be used as standalone, office-based CAD software or as a cloud-connected solution that integrates field and office operations with Topcon or Sokkia survey instruments. The platform offers user-friendly and versatile configurations suitable for various applications.
Topcon Office version 9 introduces new options for working with digital terrain models (DTMs), spot elevations and offset capabilities, enhancing versatility when handling 2D or 3D data sets. Improvements in Topcon Field include better productivity and stake reporting capabilities, advanced resection functionality for unknown control points and a new offset routine for creating points that are not observable with a total station. Both Field and Office modules now support direct import and export with 12D XML file formats.
Subscribers to the AllDayRTK high accuracy positioning network can now directly import and export RINEX data into Topcon Tools with a current Plus or RINEX subscription. Version 9 of Topcon Tools also features improved coordinate system functions, new traverse calculations, viewing options and enhanced functionality for working with data in tabular view for reporting.
Topcon Positioning Systems, topconpositioning.com
4D Scanner
For AEC professionals
The PIX4Dcatch smartphone scanning application is now compatible with the Bad Elf FlexGNSS receiver. This integration is designed for professionals in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries.
PIX4Dcatch is a comprehensive 3D scanning and AR visualization tool that combines photogrammetry, lidar technology and real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning for precise results.
The Bad Elf Flex GNSS receiver offers scalable accuracy and flexibility. In its standard configuration, it provides 30-60 cm real-time accuracy for GIS applications. Its daily token model allows users to unlock full RTK workflow for 24-hour periods, achieving 1 cm horizontal accuracy when needed. For users requiring consistent high accuracy, an upgrade to the Bad Elf Flex Extreme is available for permanent RTK capabilities.
By combining PIX4Dcatch with the Bad Elf Flex GNSS receiver, surveying, construction and building professionals can now create highly accurate 3D models using mobile smartphone scanning technology. The resulting scans can be exported to CAD/GIS platforms for inspection, sharing and collaboration among project stakeholders.
Bad Elf, bad-elf.com
UAV
With an integrated bathymetric system
The YellowScan Navigator bathymetric system has been integrated into Xer Technologies’ UAVs. This collaboration aims to enhance UAVs’ capabilities for conducting long-range bathymetric surveys and underwater inspections, which are essential in various fields such as environmental monitoring, coastal management and infrastructure development.
The integrated system allows users to collect high-resolution and accurate bathymetric data, even in challenging aquatic environments. YellowScan’s green laser lidar technology is a key component of this system, providing precise underwater mapping capabilities. Xer Technologies’ UAVs are designed for extended flight durations and can operate for more than two hours, facilitating coverage of larger survey areas in a single mission. This feature is particularly beneficial for projects that require extensive data collection over vast aquatic regions.
The YellowScan Navigator can achieve a precision of 3 cm and can operate at a maximum altitude of 100 m above ground level. The laser has a range of up to 120 m and features a scanner field-of-view of 44°. It weighs 3.7 kg.
Xer Technologies, xer-tech.com
Sonar Series
For underwater applications
The ISS360 Sonar Series is a range of imaging sonars designed for underwater applications. This series provides a full 360° field of vision and can detect objects at distances of up to 90 m to 100 m. The ISS360 utilizes compressed high-intensity radar pulse (CHIRP) acoustics to provide image clarity and quality.
The ISS360 operates within a frequency range of 600 kHz to 900 kHz, offering an angular resolution of 2.2° at 700 kHz and a range resolution of 2.5 mm at lower ranges. The sonar is housed in durable titanium material, providing a depth rating of 4,000 m as standard, with an option available for a 6,000 m rating. Additionally, it has a low power consumption of 3.6 watts, making it efficient for prolonged use.
The CHIRP acoustics enable adjustable frequency bandwidth for optimized performance in various conditions.
Its inductive coupling design eliminates the need for slip rings, significantly improving the longevity of the device. For those needing additional data, an optional attitude reference system provides pitch and roll measurements. The sonar comes equipped with seaView software for easy operation, as well as a software development kit (SDK) for custom integrations.
The series includes two main models: the standard ISS360, which is suitable for a wide range of applications, and the ISS360HD, which offers higher angular resolution and range capability for more demanding operations.
Impact Subsea, impactsubsea.com
Farming Management System
With an API link
CropX and CNH Industrial have launched a new digital connection to enhance precision farming and sustainability. This integration establishes an application programming interface (API) link between CropX’s agronomic farm management system and CNH’s Case IH and New Holland Agriculture equipment.
The new connection streamlines data transfer from CNH machinery to CropX, enabling automated data visualization, record-keeping, planning and variable-rate applications. This comprehensive data transfer covers a wide range of farming activities, including planting, application and harvesting, with specific data points varying based on the equipment type.
Within the CropX platform, this information is presented in user-friendly tables and maps that can be overlaid with other data layers. This feature allows farmers and agronomic advisers to easily extract valuable insights for improved decision-making. Furthermore, the integration facilitates the creation of variable rate application maps for fertilization and seeding, utilizing advanced agronomic tools within CropX’s system.
CropX, cropx.com
Agricultural UAV
For crop and data management
The Tesseract Ag Drone is an agricultural drone designed to improve crop and data management for farmers.
This U.S.-made drone utilizes computer vision and optical technologies to offer farmers detailed, real-time information about their fields. With its comprehensive suite of functionalities, the Tesseract Ag Drone enables farmers to quickly identify pests, monitor weed growth, assess crop and soil health, track weather impacts and observe crop development.
When paired with the Tesseract Synthesis Software, the drone’s software can transform raw data into actionable insights, allowing farmers to make informed decisions using tools powered by artificial intelligence. The centralized data management system is designed to streamline collaboration among farm teams, fostering teamwork and improving overall productivity.
Tesseract Ventures, tesseractventures.io
Fleet Tracking Platform
Designed to improve operational efficiency
CerebrumX Labs and Onward Fleet Solutions have partnered to improve fleet management through advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration integrates CerebrumX’s augmented deep learning platform (ADLP) with Onward’s comprehensive fleet management system, offering fleet operators insights into their vehicles and operations.
The partnership leverages real-time data and robust reporting to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs and improve driver safety. CerebrumX’s ADLP offers live fleet tracking, ensuring constant visibility of vehicle locations.
Additionally, it analyzes trip histories to uncover patterns in driver behavior and vehicle usage for fleet managers to make data-driven decisions. Users can also generate customized reports to help optimize various aspects of fleet management, including driver safety protocols, vehicle maintenance and fuel efficiency.
The system integrates AI to process vast amounts of data from electric and connected vehicles to provide crucial insights into asset performance, energy consumption and maintenance requirements. This capability is particularly valuable for optimizing electric vehicle charging schedules, improving battery life and supporting the broader transition to greener transportation solutions.
Onward Fleet Solutions, onwardfleet.com
Aerial Imagery Solution
With Updated Features
PhotoCapture version 2 is a photogrammetry and aerial imagery solution designed for aerial imaging professionals, surveyors, engineers and other applications that require highly accurate UAV data.
The new Photocapture Standalone Basic features a new Windows-based foundation with simple installation, a faster user interface, overlap adjustment, more available projections and faster overall photogrammetry processing speed.
PhotoCapture Standalone Advanced adds the Survey Canvas, which allows manipulation of processed point cloud data such as stockpile volume calculations, the drawing of linework, surfaces and more, all within the PhotoCapture program. New to the PhotoCapture Survey Canvas in version 2 is the View Site feature for viewing changes on sites over time, as well as the ability to remove moving objects.
PhotoCapture Standalone Advanced also now offers lidar colorization and processing, allowing the integration of lidar and photogrammetry data. Drawing on the strengths of each technology, this new feature creates more accurate and more visually appealing point cloud outputs.
Carlson’s PhotoCapture Web version offers a completely online solution utilizing cloud computing for processing power and featuring all the functionality of Carlson PhotoCapture Standalone Advanced.
Carlson Software, carlsonsw.com
UAV Lidar System
With long-range capabilities and heavy payload capacity
GeoCue and Xer Technologies AG have integrated GeoCue’s TrueView 720 lidar and imagery sensor with the Xer X8 UAV platform.
The integration represents an advancement in aerial operations, particularly for mapping and inspecting large, challenging terrains. By combining the long-range capabilities and heavy payload capacity of the Xer X8 with the high-quality point cloud and imagery data collection of the TrueView 720, this solution allows operators to manage and monitor vast areas with precision and efficiency.
Xer Technologies, xer-tech.com
Map Processing Software
Designed for construction, mining and urban planning
The WingtraCLOUD software platform now features map processing capabilities to streamline the integration of aerial insights into industries such as construction, mining and urban planning.
The latest updates seek to help engineering firms and users transition more smoothly from UAV data to actionable insights. By consolidating all stages of aerial data management — from mission planning to insight sharing — into a single platform, WingtraCLOUD eliminates the need for multiple complex tools to simplify workflows.
This software is designed to reduce errors, prevent rework and accelerate project timelines, leading to increased productivity across key industries.
With WingtraCLOUD, large-scale mapping projects can be completed quickly. This rapid processing capability is ideal for industries such as construction, where it helps avoid costly delays and resource waste, and in mining, where it enhances safety through quick highwall inspections. In disaster scenarios, WingtraCLOUD’s fast mapping capabilities can aid in efficiently directing resources.
Wingtra, wingtra.com
Compact UAV
Equipped with a 1/2-inch image sensor
The DJI Neo is a lightweight compact UAV designed to make aerial photography and videography more accessible.
DJI Neo can be fully controlled without a remote, allowing for palm-based launches and landings. It features AI subject tracking and QuickShots, offering 4K ultra-stabilized video with a flight time of up to 18 minutes.
The Neo is equipped with a 1/2-inch image sensor capable of capturing 12MP stills and 4K UHD video at 30 fps. DJI’s powerful stabilization algorithms, including RockSteady and HorizonBalancing, ensure smooth and stable footage even in challenging conditions.
The Neo includes 22 GB of internal storage, capable of saving up to 40 minutes of 4 K / 30 fps video. It supports wireless file transfer to smartphones and easy audio recording through the DJI Fly app.
DJI, dji.com
IMU
For precise navigation and stabilization
LITEF fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) inertial measurement units (IMUs) are designed for precise navigation and stabilization in various applications such as UAVs. These units feature a comprehensive sensor suite, incorporating three gyroscope axes for rotational measurement and three accelerometer axes for linear acceleration detection. This configuration ensures accurate tracking of an object’s movement in three-dimensional space.
The IMUs include processing electronics, power supply and input/output interfaces to streamline installation and operation, making them ideal for complex navigation tasks.
For applications demanding even higher precision, LITEF offers the option to integrate GPS and GNSS receivers with their IMUs. This fusion of inertial and satellite-based navigation technologies is designed to enhance overall system performance, providing more robust and accurate positioning data.
LITEF, litef.de
GNSS Receiver
With Xona PULSAR functionality
Locus Lock has partnered with Xona Space Systems to develop a GNSS receiver that uses Xona’s multi-frequency PULSAR service. Locus Lock aims to provide a robust software-defined GNSS receiver suited for both commercial and military applications.
Xona’s PULSAR service will be delivered via a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which orbit the Earth approximately 20 times closer than GNSS satellites, according to the company. This proximity allows PULSAR to offer higher signal power and a modernized signal design to offer improved multipath mitigation, higher accuracy and increased protection against radio frequency interference and spoofing compared to current GNSS systems.
The technology is suitable for a wide range of applications, including vehicles navigating dense urban areas, agriculture and construction, UAVs, high-speed aircraft and defense applications. Locus Lock’s GNSS software stack can be deployed on existing customer computational infrastructure, ranging from small embedded devices to larger centralized computers. This flexibility allows for adaptation and configuration of the software to suit specific deployed environments.
The system features inertially-aided carrier-phase differential GNSS (CDGNSS) for maintaining precision in challenging ecosystems, advanced interference mitigation and detection technology to ensure authentic GNSS signals are received and the dual-antenna, triple-frequency RadioLion RF front-end for capturing raw GNSS signals. These features offer signal situational awareness, anti-spoofing and interference mitigation.
Locus Lock, locuslock.com
Dual-Band Receiver Board
With integrated IMU
The simpleRTK2B Fusion GNSS RTK dual-band receiver board is a positioning solution that leverages the u-blox ZED-F9R module to provide highly accurate location data.
This board delivers centimeter-level positioning accuracy, making it suitable for applications requiring precise location information. One of its key features is the integrated inertial measurement unit (IMU), which allows the board to provide full attitude data using a single antenna. This capability is particularly beneficial for compact and resource-constrained systems.
The board’s design makes it suitable for small, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and slow-moving ground robotics platforms. These applications can greatly benefit from the board’s high-precision positioning and attitude information, enabling more accurate navigation and control.
The simpleRTK2B Fusion board can be seamlessly integrated with various popular development platforms. It can serve as an external GNSS RTK receiver for autopilot systems and is compatible with both Pixhawk and Ardupilot-based autopilots, enhancing their positioning capabilities with its centimeter-accurate data.
ArduSimple, ardusimple.com
Rugged Ground Control Station
For commercial and defense applications
The Controller Pro is a ground control station (GCS) technology for UAVs and robotics. It seeks to address the growing demand for compact, powerful and versatile control solutions in both commercial and defense sectors.
The 8-inch Controller Pro boasts a rugged design with an IP65 rating, ensuring durability and protection against dust and water ingress. Equipped with Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, the Controller Pro offers robust performance for mission-critical operations, enabling smooth handling of complex control tasks and real-time data processing. Additionally, the integration of Windows 11 enhances the system’s flexibility and compatibility with various software solutions, allowing for multi-application performance.
The Controller Pro can be used for surveying, inspection and delivery services. Its rugged design and U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliance make it ideal for military and law enforcement applications, such as reconnaissance and tactical operations.
Additionally, its radio-agnostic feature allows it to work with various communication systems, enhancing its versatility across different platforms and missions.
Mobilicom, mobilicom.com
Aerial Reconnaissance and Elimination System
With integrated AI technology
The Aerial Reconnaissance and Elimination System (ARIES) is designed to enhance situational awareness and counter emerging threats.
ARIES utilizes AI to detect, classify and respond to threats in real time. The system’s AI continuously adapts to new threats across multiple domains without requiring manual updates to improve situational awareness and accelerate decision-making for military personnel.
The system can detect and track UAVs beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). This capability extends the range and effectiveness of counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) operations, providing early warning and enabling rapid response to potential threats.
ARIES seamlessly integrates with existing defense infrastructure, which eliminates the need for frequent manual system updates and seeks to improve overall mission success rates.
The system has been successfully demonstrated to key Department of Defense (DOD) stakeholders, showcasing its potential to enhance counter-UAS operations. During the demonstration, ARIES offered critical, real-time intelligence for swift decision-making in response to UAV incursions.
Skylark Labs, skylarklabs.ai
Quadcopter UAS
Department of Defense Blue UAS-certified
The Teal 2 is a multirotor unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed for military, government and commercial applications. Designed, built and serviced entirely in the United States, the Teal 2 is Department of Defense (DOD) Blue UAS-certified, ensuring it meets stringent standards for government use.
Its compact and rugged design allows for easy transport and rapid deployment, as it can be folded and carried in a rucksack. Additionally, the modular construction of the Teal 2 facilitates easy repair and reconfiguration in the field, enabling operators to adapt the system to their specific mission needs.
The UAS weighs 1.25 kg, can reach maximum speeds of 10 m/s and has a flight time exceeding 30 minutes. It is equipped with the FLIR Hadron 640R electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor system, which includes a dual-axis gimbal for stable imaging. This thermal imaging system excels in nighttime operations, allowing operators to identify and track targets even in complete darkness.
The Teal 2 supports advanced operational features such as multi-vehicle command and control, which allows for 360° target views or multi-target surveillance. It employs AES-256 encryption for secure data transmission and communication. Powered by the Snapdragon 845 processor, the Teal 2 is also compatible with Athena AI, designed to enhance its capabilities in target recognition and battle tracking.
Red Cat Holdings, redcat.red
Radar System
Designed for C-UAS and BVLOS flights
This radar system is designed to enhance situational awareness for counter unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) operations and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights. The system, which has received Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorization, is now being distributed to commercial and public sectors in the United States and to certain international markets.
The system aims to deliver precise detection of both airborne and ground-based objects under various conditions. Its compact design allows for integration into existing infrastructures without the need for extensive setup or specialized training.
The MatrixSpace Radar is part of an open architecture platform, facilitating integration with various industry-standard systems for unmanned traffic management (UTM), command and control, counter-UAS measures, and traffic and video surveillance systems. This approach aims to offer a unified view for operators to improve the coordination and management of airspace activities.
MatrixSpace, matrixspace.com
Septentrio has partnered with GNSS Store to expand its product ecosystem. Through this collaboration, GNSS Store has developed a range of new products, including evaluation boards, dongles, compact smart antennas and other plug-and-play systems. These products are based on Septentrio’s mosaic GNSS module family, which includes the mosaic-X5 positioning module, mosaic-H heading module and mosaic-T timing module.
The mosaic GNSS receiver is a compact device that delivers high-precision positioning using tri-band technology. Its advanced built-in features offer robust protection against signal interference, including jamming and spoofing attempts.
GNSS Store’s new offerings can achieve sub-centimeter location accuracy through a combination of multi-band, multi-constellation and high-precision RTK capabilities. This level of precision makes them ideal for applications requiring extreme accuracy, such as precision agriculture, UAVs and robotic systems.
Topcon Positioning Systems has significantly expanded its Topnet Live reference station service, adding 180 full-wave geodetic reference stations across California, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Washington. This expansion is designed to enhance network corrections, providing centimeter-level accuracy for various industries such as engineering, surveying, construction, and agriculture. The improved service can also benefit specialized applications, including automated mowing, line marking and UAV operations for mapping and delivery in sectors such as the turf industry.
According to Topcon, one key benefit for users is simplified access to globally supported Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol (NTRIP) network corrections. NTRIP streams GNSS correction data over the Internet, enabling real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning. This technology allows users to achieve high levels of accuracy in their positioning tasks. In addition to NTRIP corrections, the expanded services now include enhanced Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) coverage, which seeks to improve mapping accuracy.
According to Topcon, Receiver Independent Exchange (RINEX) static files are now more readily available. This enhancement offers more robust static and static kinematic post-processing options. These improvements provide users with more precise positioning data and greater flexibility across a range of applications, from surveying to precision agriculture.
BAE Systems has successfully demonstrated M-code signal tracking using an Increment 2 GNSS receiver powered by its Next-Generation Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). This breakthrough is part of the Military GPS User Equipment Increment 2 Miniature Serial Interface program, which was awarded a $247 million contract from the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command in 2020.
The Increment 2 program significantly advances core signal processing capabilities, offering sophisticated signal processing and compatibility with multiple satellite networks. This initiative focuses on developing and qualifying a compact receiver for applications demanding minimal size, weight and power consumption (SWaP). The resulting small form factor technology can be integrated across various platforms — including battery-operated handheld devices — expanding the potential applications for secure military GPS technology.
This builds upon BAE Systems’ current Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) and M-Code Increment 1 products. It offers more capability to combat threats, including field reprogramming and a flexible software configuration to meet mission needs.
The company’s M-code GPS and anti-jam product line delivers reliable navigation and guidance solutions for a variety of systems, from airborne platforms and precision munitions to handheld devices and embedded applications. The Increment 2 MSI program is being developed at BAE Systems’ advanced facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where the team continues to drive forward this capability.
The University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Fredericton, Canada, celebrated International GNSS Day on Oct. 23, hosted by the Department of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, with a cake imprinted with the Institute of Navigation (ION) announcement graphic. More than 50 people from all over the university showed up for a slice of cake. There was plenty to go around!
This global event, initiated by ION, commemorates the profound impact of GNSS on our world.
“International GNSS Day, celebrated on Oct. 23, is a tribute to the foundational 10.23 MHz frequency that underpins all GPS and GNSS technology. This frequency, which serves as the cornerstone of the signals for over 100 navigation satellites today, marks the date as a special occasion for those involved in positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies.”
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Labsat has released updates from Jammertest 2024, where the team addressed real-world challenges related to GNSS jamming and spoofing attacks. According to Labsat, the team was on-site with the Labsat 4 GNSS Record & Replay device, which effectively captured the entire GNSS RF environment during the tests. The team shared that this technology has allowed Labsat to collect more than 20 TB of data, enabling them to reproduce complex signals under laboratory conditions.
Labsat recorded GNSS signals at 12 bits of I&Q resolution across multiple frequency bands to accurately capture the RF conditions. With this data, LabSat 4 users can recreate these signals on their test benches, allowing them to evaluate their GNSS receiver performance against the same challenges encountered during the event.
Labsat said it plans to make these recordings available to its LabSat 4 users, allowing them to experience a full range of jamming and spoofing scenarios firsthand. This offers GNSS engineers a unique chance to prepare their technology for real-world threats.
Adtran’s Oscilloquartz team of network synchronization specialists has demonstrated the capabilities of its positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solution, the OSA aPNT+, during Jammertest 2024 in Norway.
According to the team, the OSA aPNT+ platform demonstrated exceptional resilience against jamming and spoofing attacks during the series of real-world tests. It seeks to serve as a vital role in PNT security for critical sectors such as infrastructure and defense. As we rely more on PNT systems, there is a need for robust protection against increasingly sophisticated threats. To meet this challenge, the OSA aPNT+ platform employs a multi-layered protection strategy and zero-trust architecture.
The company said that by integrating diverse PNT sources, including Iridium Satellite Time and Location (STL) services, the platform can effectively mitigate risks and establish new standards for securing applications across the public and private sectors.
Adtran’s Oscilloquartz aPNT+™ solution is built around a multi-layered approach, incorporating advanced GNSS signal analyzers, anti-jamming antennas and AI/ML-enhanced firewalls. Key products, including the OSA 5412, OSA 5422 and OSA 5430 grandmaster clocks, along with the OSA 5401 and OSA 5405 Series of small-form-factor solutions, underwent thorough testing at Jammertest.
The integration of Iridium’s Satellite Time and Location (STL) services was evaluated, showcasing its ability to diversify PNT sources and bolster defenses against jamming and spoofing attacks. The company shared that Oscilloquartz’s Syncjack technology could detect and mitigate meaconing attacks.
This approach aligns with IEEE 1952 standards and establishes Oscilloquartz solutions as indispensable for critical sectors dependent on assured PNT, including telecommunications, defense and finance.