Astronautics - Naval Navigation Systems

Astronautics is a world leader in the design, development, integration and manufacture of military and commercial electronics for naval, aerospace, and land systems.

Astronautics is manufacturing naval navigation systems built around the unique Monolithic Ring Laser Gyro (RLG) INS/GPS, manufactured by Kearfott Guidance and Navigation (KGN), a subsidiary of Astronautics Corporation of America (ACA).

Computerised-maritime navigation (C-MAN)

C-MAN architecture has flexibility and modularity, from basic single sensors for small vessels, to high-end, extended fully redundant systems (including: INS, GPS, Log EM or Doppler, meteorological centers, echo sounders and magnetic-compass) for large surface/subsurface vessels. The C-MAN distributes multiple output formats, supporting modern digital formats such as NMEA, high speed data, LAN, as well as analog / synchro / resolver formats.

C-MAN has unique features:

• Automatic input priority data, selects for each data output, the best input source at any given time
• Motion prediction algorithm that overcome the computation latency to introduce zero data error

The core sensor of the C-MAN is the INS / RLG which has a unique technology of single Monolithic (mono-block) Ring Laser Gyro (MLRG). The RLG provides all three laser axes with an optical resonator, in one solid cube, but keeps the gyros functionally independent. This type of structure has inherent thermal and dynamic stability with outstanding reliability and reduced size. It provides maximum accuracy over time; no pre-alignment and no inter-axis cross-talk are needed.

Enterprise navigation system (ENS) architecture

The aim of the ENS architecture is to improve the sensors information and to provide users with uncluttered, more coherent data.

The ENS architecture offers:

• High quality of functionality
• Deals with large number of input data from various sensors
• Capable of supporting large number of output data to various users
• Modular design using standards and COTS
• Implementation of multi-level layers
• Flexibility, interoperability, scalability and affordability

Multi-function console (MFC)

The MFC is in operational use by the Israeli Navy to operate and control all the combat and navigation systems on board.

The main features of Astronautics' MFC are:

• High processing power and powerful graphics
• Interchangeable upper LCD display modules
• Single 20in display
• Dual 20in displays module
• Excellent ergonomic structures
• Harsh environment conditions
• Easy to maintain

Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend of using combat system architecture based on combat system management (CMS). The MFC architecture is derived from the CMS concept and comprises the following features:

• Becomes the core that can run the operating application of the combat system
• Based on standard HW and on SW layers architecture
• Provides a pool of work stations permitting dynamic allocation
• Creates high availability and denies point of failure, resulting in high system redundancy

Integrated bridge systems (IBS)

Astronautics is engaged in producing naval systems using its integrated bridge systems (IBS) for corvettes, frigates and submarines. The IBS is based on Astronautics ENS architecture and MFC.

The integrated bridge system provides the bridge officer with the capability to manage operational tasks efficiently. The system enables optimal decision making for the challenged operational situation.

The IBS by MFC provides the following capabilities:

• Operating all bridge functions from one console (minimal consoles)
• Navigation data, W/ECDIS, conning, mission route planning including automatic navigation assistance (operational and the course's plotting), radar repeater, radar tracking and autopilot functionality
• Control and monitoring, the Enterprise Navigation System (ENS) and the display of all the navigation data information
• AIS targets displayed on-screen including vessel info, position and course tracking
• Managing and display alarms and performing voyage data recording (VDR)
• The system modularity and scalability enables affordable and seamless integration of other sensors