Positioning navigation company Advanced Navigation has finalised a multi-million deal with Rheinmetall Defence Australia to supply fibre-optic gyroscope inertial navigation systems for integration into Rheinmetall’s Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles, currently in service with the Australian Army.
This follows a previous deal which saw Advanced Navigation provide over 200 fibre-optic gyroscope inertial navigation systems to Rheinmetall in 2021 for the Boxer vehicles. These vehicles were acquired by the Australian Army as part of the LAND 400 Phase 2 Program.
“Precise navigation is paramount to the survivability of armoured vehicles,” said Advanced Navigation CEO Chris Shaw. “It provides the situational awareness and ability to coordinate with other units needed to stay operational in challenging environments, where GPS signals are unavailable or unreliable.”
“In Australia, Rheinmetall is the largest supplier of military vehicles to the country’s armed forces,” he adds. “Our PNT solution equips the Boxer CRVs with accurate and robust navigation independent of satellite signals, ensuring they maintain tactical advantage in all conditions, even in electronic warfare scenarios.”
The system houses Advanced Navigation’s breakthrough algorithmic technology. This software-enabled hardware allows the fibre-optic gyroscope inertial navigation systems to deliver navigation data superior to outputs based on traditional filter methods, while hosting a small form factor. Additionally, the built-in optical gyroscope technology has no moving parts. This makes it less susceptible to shock and vibration-induced errors, which is critical when the vehicle is travelling through rough terrains.
Validated in real-world operations, the fibre-optic gyroscope inertial navigation systems is easily integrated into the armoured Boxer8x8 vehicle. In service with armies around the globe, the Boxer offers enhanced troop safety, security and protection, coupled with high levels of firepower and mobility for sustained operations ranging from peacekeeping to high-intensity combat. The vehicle is equipped with a reconnaissance mission module including the two-person digital Lance turret; the first crewed medium-calibre turret to be put into service on the Boxer platform.
Based in New South Wales, the Advanced Navigation’s high-tech positioning navigation technology facility adopts a vertical integration framework, covering all phases of photonics and fibre-optic gyroscope development, from design and quality testing to automated manufacturing. This approach improves quality control and guarantees the delivery of reliable, durable and high-quality navigation systems that are sensitive enough to detect the earth’s rotation.
As one of only four companies in the world to manufacture strategic-grade fibre-optic gyroscope components.
