Advanced Navigation has finalised a multi-million deal with Rheinmetall Defence Australia to supply fibre-optic gyroscope (FOG) inertial navigation systems (INS) for integration into Rheinmetall’s Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV), currently in service with the Australian Army.
This follows a previous deal which saw Advanced Navigation provide over 200 FOG INS to Rheinmetall in 2021 for the Boxer CRV. These vehicles were acquired by the Australian Army as part of the LAND 400 Phase 2 Program, while the units equipped with this latest batch of INS will be exported for use by the German Army.
Advanced Navigation’s FOG INS houses the company’s breakthrough algorithmic technology. This software-enabled hardware allows the INS to deliver navigation data superior to outputs based on traditional filter methods, while maintaining 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 FOG INS is easily integrated into the Boxer CRV armoured 8×8 vehicle. In service with armies around the globe, the Boxer CRV 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 Boxer CRV 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.
The collaboration between Rheinmetall and Advanced Navigation appeals to the Australian Defence Global Supply Chain (GSC) Program, which aims to increase the number of Australian suppliers and export opportunities with large defence primes.
Chris Shaw, CEO of Advanced Navigation, commented: “Precise navigation is paramount to the survivability of armoured vehicles. 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. 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. It is a huge honour to be selected as their partner, in a time of rising geopolitical conflicts.”
