Problem We Solve

In order to properly orient a vehicle-mounted weapon, or any radar system that relies on global navigation satellite signals, vehicle crews need accurate heading data to point their equipment. Operators may start with estimating trajectory paths, but it is hard to know exactly where their equipment is pointing because any slight change in angle causes a massive change in impact location or radar direction. Operating in a GNSS-denied environment also presents challenges, and it would be time consuming and potentially dangerous to wait for clean signal reception.

Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) that provide true north-finding capabilities is an extremely helpful and flexible alternative because it allows vehicles to have high accuracy orientation capabilities for their mounted weapons or radar payloads. They can minutely adjust their angles or rotation without the aid of GPS, and without being susceptible to vibrations and shocks.

Why it is Important

Having precise orientation capabilities is critical in ensuring weapons can effectively engage intended targets. Likewise, having accurate orientation in radar systems is essential in the process of geographically locating objects. The act of orienting a vehicle weapon or radar is not trivial: accurate shooting requires complex calculations from numerous factors including determining level ground, finding the north pole, measuring wind speed and direction, and elevation of the target. Highly accurate equipment pointing can mean the difference between mission failure and success. Therefore, having a robust navigation system that can provide heading data in real time is of paramount importance for defense applications.

Given that the National Intelligence Council has identified an increasing trend in jamming and spoofing attacks, the need for navigation systems to be able to operate independent of GPS signals is also becoming important. Inertial navigation systems need to be able to function in both normal conditions as well as GPS-denied environments.

Of course, there are different grades of accuracy for equipment pointing depending on your needs. And we’ll cover the most relevant solutions below.

How We Solve it

When it comes to navigation systems that can provide heading data in real time Safran has field-proven solutions for diverse defense applications. The Geonyx product incorporates HRG based inertial navigation system (INS) technology. Unlike GPS, INS does not rely on external signals for navigation and heading. Instead, it uses motion sensors and rotation sensors to calculate the position, orientation and velocity of the vehicle based on internal data. The Geonyx will output pitch, roll, and heading data to the vehicles weapon system or to the vehicles radar system via ethernet.

GEONYX INERTIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM

Geonyx is an INS solution for ground vehicles and artillery pointing systems, offering a virtually unlimited and maintenance-free lifespan. It can achieve a pointing accuracy of <0.5mils thanks to HRG Crystal technology. It has quick and flexible alignment – even in GNSS-denied environments.

Why Choose Us

Safran is renowned for its expertise in aerospace and defense technology.

It stands out for its:

• Accuracy and Precise Orientation – The Geonyx provides you with a heading accuracy to true north down to 0.5 mils (miliradians). Because of the accuracy of the gyroscopes inside the Geonyx, it can sense the rotation of the earth with high accuracy. This precise motion detection capability provides you with reliable heading information in real time.
• Flexible Systems Integration – Geonyx can be mounted in any orientation on a variety of vehicles, turrets, and artillery weapons while providing industry standard interfaces for ease of integration.
• Ruggedized Operation – Thanks to HRG Crystal technology, the Geonyx is unaffected by vibrations and shocks of artillery guns, enabling a virtually unlimited and maintenance free lifespan; 100,000hr MTBF.
• Jamming & Spoofing Proof – Geonyx will provide your weapons systems or your radar systems with accurate heading data even in GNSS-denied environments.

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