Sonardyne Adds Flagship Navigator Model to SPRINT-Nav Mini Family
News

Sonardyne Adds Flagship Navigator Model to SPRINT-Nav Mini Family

Energy, defence and science marine technology company Sonardyne has introduced a range-topping model of its hybrid, underwater and surface vehicle navigation platform, SPRINT-Nav Mini.

The new Navigator version extends the capability of the Guidance model introduced last year – by calculating and providing the position of a remote, autonomous or piloted underwater vehicle, or uncrewed surface vessel, in addition to its velocity, depth and attitude.

The compact SPRINT-Nav Mini is engineered to provide accurate, precise and robust guidance, and also survey and inspection capabilities, for vehicle platforms that would normally not be able to host high-end navigation systems. These include observation-class ROVs, low-logistic AUVs, manned submersibles, swimmer delivery vehicles and USVs operating in shallow waters.

With technology transferred from Sonardyne’s popular SPRINT-Nav product line, the Mini family combines an INS, AHRS, pressure sensor and 500kHz DVL in a single subsea housing that is just 215mm high, 149mm in diameter and as little as 0.7kg in water; smaller, lighter and lower power than any other competing technology in the same class, and lower in cost than the individual vehicle sensors it replaces.

Surface Structures and GNSS Denied Environments

SPRINT-Nav Mini continues to work even in challenging environments, such as around surface structures and GNSS denied environments, providing a continuous stream of latitude and longitude, orientation, velocity, depth and altitude at up to 200 updates per second to a vehicle’s primary control system.

The platform is available in 300m and 4,000m depth options, with a class-leading maximum DVL altitude of up to 200m, while all SPRINT-Navs are supplied pre-calibrated from the factory. Existing owners of SPRINT-Nav Minis can upgrade their Guidance units to the new Navigator version, remotely in the field.

Business development manager, marine robotics at Sonardyne, Aidan Thorn, said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for developers and operators of small ROVs, AUVs and USVs, with transformational technologies like our SPRINT-Nav Mini Navigator being a true enabler for safer, more efficient and cleaner operations across the maritime space.” He added: “The technology platform is low risk and field proven. This new flagship model will enable vehicle manufacturers and operators to enjoy all the benefits of Doppler inertial navigation from a single instrument. What I like is the simplicity; one unit that’s simple to integrate and easy to operate, leaving more space and power for other data collection payloads. And that ultimately means a more capable vehicle for the user.”

Hydrography Newsletter

Value staying current with hydrography?

Stay on the map with our expertly curated newsletters.

We provide educational insights, industry updates, and inspiring stories from the world of hydrography to help you learn, grow, and navigate your field with confidence. Don't miss out - subscribe today and ensure you're always informed, educated, and inspired by the latest in hydrographic technology and research.

Choose your newsletter(s)