Collaboration Between NAL Research and VectorNav to Enhance PNT Solutions in Challenging Environments

NAL Research and VectorNav Technologies: A Strategic Embrace for Resilient Navigation

In a significant move to tackle the complexities of modern navigation, NAL Research and VectorNav Technologies have entered a collaborative effort dedicated to developing advanced solutions for assured position, navigation, and timing (PNT) in environments where GNSS signals cannot be relied upon. This partnership highlights the increasing demand for reliable navigation systems among industries challenged by GPS vulnerabilities, including jamming, spoofing, and signal outages.

The current landscape of navigation technology is fraught with uncertainties, as traditional GNSS systems face an array of vulnerabilities that threaten the accuracy and reliability of location data. Recognizing this urgent need, the two U.S. companies have joined forces to create a robust solution that integrates traditional inertial navigation systems (INS) with Iridium STL (Satellite Time Location) technology, which is known for its signal strength—around 1,000 times more potent than standard GPS signals.

What Does the Collaboration Entail?

The collaborative endeavor will combine VectorNav's cutting-edge INS technology with NAL Research's Iridium STL satellite receivers. This innovative product aims to empower uncrewed systems, which serve a multitude of sectors, from military operations to commercial applications, to perform critical functions even in GNSS-denied situations, including areas with heavy physical obstructions.

During the upcoming SOF Week Exposition in Tampa, Florida, taking place from May 5–8, 2025, both companies will exhibit their partnership at their respective booths, offering insights into their groundbreaking work and how it can reshape navigation reliability.

Advantages of the New INS Solutions

The newly developed systems will not only support operators in environments where GNSS is unavailable but will also offer enhanced performance through continuous access to accurate location data and time synchronization. The integration of the VN-210E GNSS-Aided INS, which combines a tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) with L1/L2 GNSS capabilities, ensures that users can maintain situational awareness and operational efficiency in dynamic settings.

The design of the VN-210E emphasizes modularity, allowing it to interface with multiple external PNT-aiding sources such as NAL's Iridium STL receivers. This means that operators can receive real-time positioning, velocity, and attitude data, which is especially crucial for uncrewed autonomous systems.

Robert Bills, President of NAL Research, commented, “This complete offering delivered through our high-velocity collaboration with VectorNav will deliver dynamic innovation to the emerging APNT market.” He emphasized the partnership's potential to streamline customers' access to alternative PNT resources, facilitating a smoother transition into advanced navigation technologies.

Fostering Future Collaborations

Both NAL Research and VectorNav are dedicated to further co-developing solutions that marry their respective strengths. Future innovations will hone in on reducing SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost), boosting environmental resilience, and ensuring compliance with MIL-STD standards, particularly for defense and aerospace applications.

As Jakub Maslikowski, VectorNav's VP of Business Development, articulated, there is a growing urgency for robust APNT solutions that can support dynamic autonomous systems on a larger scale. This collaboration seeks to enhance PNT capabilities derived from Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, ultimately fortifying the operational resilience of the U.S. and its allied nations in increasingly contested environments.

For those interested in learning more about these innovative solutions set to redefine navigation in GNSS-denied environments, both companies encourage inquiries through their respective contact channels.

As the demand for reliable and resilient navigation solutions continues to rise, the collaboration between NAL Research and VectorNav Technologies may well be the key to pioneering advancements in the field of assured PNT technologies.

For further details, interested individuals and organizations can reach out via email or plan to visit VectorNav at Booth #1941 and NAL Research at Booth #3005 during the SOF Week Exposition.