Sonardyne launches SPRINT-Nav U to advance compact marine navigation
Sonardyne has introduced SPRINT-Nav U, an ultra-compact hybrid acoustic-inertial navigator designed for small marine robotic platforms. The system extends survey-grade navigation capabilities to ROVs, AUVs, towfish and USVs in a form factor measuring 135mm in height and 114mm in diameter, with an in-water weight of 600 grams.
SPRINT-Nav U integrates four essential navigation instruments – an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), doppler velocity log (DVL), inertial navigation system (INS) and pressure sensor – in a single unit. This configuration reduces the complexity of installation while optimizing size, weight and power consumption. Unlike MEMS-based systems, it provides a true north-seeking capability, maintaining heading accuracy even in environments with ferrous interference.
According to Aidan Thorn, business development manager – marine robotics at Sonardyne, the system is expected to improve the efficiency of operations in confined or complex environments. “SPRINT-Nav U transforms what’s possible for small robotic platforms. Operators can now conduct complex inspections and surveys around offshore structures, ports and harbours with exceptional accuracy and reliability, without the need for large-scale vessel deployments,” he stated.
Offshore wind farm monitoring
SPRINT-Nav U offers a heading accuracy of 0.15° and a distance-travelled error of 0.1%, providing a level of performance typically associated with larger navigation systems. Its 500kHz DVL maintains bottom lock at altitudes of up to 100 metres, and its rapid alignment process allows deployment within five minutes when bottom lock is achieved. The system also shares a web-based interface with the SPRINT-Nav Mini, ensuring compatibility with third-party survey software.
A key application is offshore wind farm monitoring, where precise navigation near steel structures is essential. The system’s fibre-optic gyro (FOG)-based IMU allows for uninterrupted data collection in such environments, overcoming the limitations of magnetic-based systems.
John Houlder, senior product manager at Sonardyne, highlighted the significance of this capability: “The ability to maintain accurate navigation in and around ferrous structures is a game-changer for operations such as offshore wind farm monitoring and maintenance. SPRINT-Nav U ensures operators can collect consistent, high-quality data near steel components where other systems would fail.”
With its combination of compact design and high-precision navigation, SPRINT-Nav U represents a new step forward for small-scale subsea operations, particularly in energy sector applications where reliable positioning is essential.
