The US Navy has contracted Anello Photonics to develop a navigation system capable of delivering accurate guidance throughout the entire flight path of a hypersonic vehicle operating in Global Positioning System (GPS)-degraded and GPS-denied environments.
Under the Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, Anello's Silicon Photonics Optical Gyroscope (SiPhOG) technology and sensor fusion engine will be demonstrated over a six-month period.
The SiPhOG is designed based on integrated photonic system-on-chip technology.
These technologies are designed to ensure reliable navigation in environments where GPS is not an option, which is a critical requirement for military applications.
Anello Photonics CEO Dr Mario Paniccia said: “We are excited to work with the US Navy and provide them access to our innovative and cutting-edge technology.
“Within this programme, the US Navy can directly evaluate and experience first-hand the benefits of the Anello products for navigation in GPS-denied or contested environments.”
Anello's selection follows its successful completion of an earlier SBIR Phase I.
The Phase I SBIR Topic is seeking a solution that can be a standalone system or a combination of technologies that fuse orthogonal signals for enhanced positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT).
In addition, the proposed system should feature a compact design with minimised size, weight, and power to ensure compatibility with current and future hypersonic vehicles.
Under Phase II, a prototype will be developed based on the Phase I design, and a navigation system will be demonstrated using the proposed signal systems. The system's feasibility will be assessed, tested, and validated to ensure it meets the project objectives. The final tests and evaluations will be conducted under operational conditions that closely simulate hypersonic flight.
During the Phase III, the navigation system prototype will be integrated and installed on a representative hypersonic vehicle for demonstration and assessment during Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) events.
