GNSS/INS for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Payloads.
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) payloads need accurate localisation data to ensure aerial intelligence operations are successful.
ISR missions are of critical importance in rescue, security, and defence applications. But the success of those missions relies on an accurate and robust localisation solution, either for navigation or for georeferencing scanner data. For systems integrators working on next-gen projects or improvements to existing ISR products, the accuracy and precision of localisation data is a vital differentiator.
OxTS GNSS/INS devices combine cutting edge IMU technology, survey-grade GNSS receivers, and advanced algorithms to deliver centimetre-level position accuracy. Our sensor fusion interface also makes it possible to feed data from a wide range of additional sensors into the navigation engine, protecting the accuracy of your navigation data in areas where GNSS signal is patchy or jammed.
Combined with powerful software features specifically designed for avionics and aerial surveillance applications, OxTS can help you create ISR payloads that help keep people safe.
Our Three-Part Solution for ISR payloads
OxTS GNSS/INS
Our wide range of devices cater for a variety of use cases, environments, accuracy requirements and budgets.
Software
Every OxTS GNSS/INS includes our NAVsuite applications for free, which allows you to configure and monitor your GNSS/INS during build and test. We also have applications designed to remove complexity from ISR projects.
Feature Code Bundle
Our feature codes unlock specific capabilities in your GNSS/INS such as PTP synchronisation, extended measurements and other features useful for ISR payloads.
OxTS GNSS/INS Devices for ISR Navigation
Software Applications
OxTS GNSS/INS are supplemented by a range of software tools to help you both configure and manage your devices and to facilitate communication between your GNSS/INS and other sensors in your payload.
NAVsuite
NAVsuite is a complimentary set of software applications that is included with every purchase of an OxTS GNSS/INS. The software allows you to:
+ Configure your OxTS GNSS/INS.
+ Monitor the navigation data from your GNSS/INS in real time.
+ Enhance your real-time test data, in post-process, with an automated command line tool.
+ Plot, analyse and export your test data.
OxTS GAD Interface
The OxTS GAD Interface enables you to feed additional sensor data into your OxTS navigation engine improving performance in areas where GNSS signal is weak, non-existent, or jammed.
- Configure updates from external sensors including LiDAR, airspeed sensors, cameras and more.
- Set variance levels, lever arms and navigation frames to ensure your data synchronises perfectly.
- Available in C++ and Python.
MAVlink Interface
Seamlessly connect your GNSS/INS and sensors to autopilot systems such as Pixhawk.
OxTS ROS drivers
We have developed and maintain our own ROS 2 driver to ensure that the data from your OxTS INS can be used by your wider ROS network. The driver takes the data from your INS and decodes it to provide all the navigation data from the INS in the ROS message format.
A separate ROS 1 driver, developed by Dataspeed Inc. is also available.
GNSS/INS Features for ISR payloads
Standard Features
All OxTS GNSS/INS devices come pre-loaded with a number of important features as standard. Whichever device you choose for your ISR project, you will be able to take advantage of the following:
+ ITAR-free hardware – Streamline administration overheads when your hardware needs to be shipped overseas.
+ Dual antenna RTK capability – Achieve high-accuracy position, orientation and dynamics data, even at low speeds.
+ Built-in NTRIP client – Easily access real-time corrections for precise data collection.
+ Free-of-charge support – Every OxTS INS qualifies for complimentary support from our teams in the UK, USA, Germany and China.
+ Sensor fusion as standard – Incorporate data from your other sensors into the OxTS navigation engine with the OxTS Generic Aiding Data (GAD) Interface.
Optional ISR features
To create a high-performing ISR payload you need robust navigation and user-friendly features. We suggest the following optional features when building an ISR payload:
+ gx/ix tight-coupling – Speeds up RTK reacquisition after transient but complete GNSS outage meaning more accurate navigation data for longer (see example below).
+ Acceleration filters – Reduce unwanted noise on acceleration and angular measurements.
+ PTP and gPTP time synchronisation – Master and client functionality makes it easier to integrate your GNSS/INS into an existing payload.
+ 250hz output – Gives you additional data for high-speed and high-dynamics missions.
GNSS Only vs INS with gx/ix
gx/ix tight-coupling technology is an advanced GNSS processing engine and GNSS/IMU tight-coupling for enhanced urban performance in real-time and post-process.
The image comparison above shows the improvement in position data when using an OxTS GNSS/INS with gx/ix enabled vs a GNSS-only solution. Move the slider and see for yourself!
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Solution Brief
ISR payloads need a robust localisation solution; a tool that not only records the position and orientation of the payload, but also operates in conditions where GNSS isn’t always readily available.
This solution brief steps through the aspects that we recommend our customers consider when deciding on their source of localisation for their ISR payloads.
Read the solution brief to learn how the right localisation solution can help your ISR project, including the key questions you need to ask yourself.
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