Classic Non-GPS Independent Navigation Gets a Fresh Update

Honeywell has launched a fresh update to an older navigational standby, the Inertial Navigation System, as a resilient, robust, GPS-independent system for aircraft in areas bereft of satellite nav service. In the last few years of uncertainty and confidence-shaking events in traditionally always-on systems, operators may find comfort knowing their navigation remains even when flying through areas of GNSS-challenged or denied environments.

The Honeywell Compact Inertial Navigation System and Radar Velocity System were released to function with partner company InfiniDome's Anti-Jamming system, GPDdome, for commercial and military customers needing reliable navigation solutions that are small, light, and powerful. Unlike previous generations of similar equipment, the new additions can support not only smaller aircraft, but unmanned vehicles as well, especially those flying BLOS. Adding a fleet capability to maintain accurate, consistent navigation while unsupported by external navaids is a powerful tool, increasing the capability of aircraft even in civilian use. Honeywell's systems track critical navigation and timing information, backing up its results through a resilient combination of signal anti-jamming, inertial navigation, and alternative navigation systems. 

Honeywell's Compact Inertial Navigation System is about the size of a deck of cards, owing to its compact inertial sensors to track position information in flight. Much lighter and reliable than past units of aerospace yore, the system can be installed even in smaller aircraft. Honeywell touts performance in urban canyons where signal availability is intermittent, or jamming situations that overmatch the aircraft's anti-jamming capability. 

Their second release, the Honeywell Radar Velocity System, is another small, lightweight, low-power radar-based navigation-aiding system. When used together, it adds a third layer of resiliency for long distance navigation during GNSS outage. Future developments will continue to iterate and improve the technology, Honeywell says.

“The industry is demanding a rapid solution to address issues like jamming and spoofing that cause disruptions,” said Matt Picchetti, vice president, Navigation and Sensors, Honeywell Aerospace. “We are confident that with the launch of our new industry-leading navigation systems, our commercial and military customers will finally have access to a system that allows continued operations even in GNSS disrupted or denied environments.”

FMI: www.aerospace.honeywell.com