As global navies begin to commission the next generation of both crewed and uncrewed surface platforms, there is a drive towards embedding greater levels of autonomy and minimal/lean crewing. This operational concept puts greater demand on sensor systems, which provide critical perception and navigation. Simultaneously, ongoing conflicts and resulting GNSS denial are highlighting the risks associated with the historical dependence on GNSS aided Inertial Navigation System (INS) positioning.
Two key problems are posed by recent challenges in GNSS availability across some of the globe’s key waterways: the lack of redundant velocity aiding in the absence of GNSS, and a poor understanding of which Inertial Navigation Systems are capable of sufficient performance in GNSS denied conditions.
As a manufacturer of Doppler Velocity Logs (DVLs) and associated systems for subsea navigation, Nortek has embarked on a process of quantifying how DVLs can be used to aid typical surface vessel INS.
Here, Nortek will share experience from qualification of ROV and AUV navigation systems in the continuously GNSS denied subsea environment. This will feed into presentation of results from extensive field testing of various INS products, both with and without DVL aiding. The ambition is to highlight which INS/DVL technology is suitable for which application, covering topics such as desired positioning accuracy, GNSS denied mission length, and impacts of differing vessel dynamics.