Precise Navigation Without GNSS

Exail is expanding its portfolio with the compact Marins M1 inertial navigation system. This new development aims to make high-performance, fail-safe navigation technology accessible to smaller maritime platforms. The system was specifically designed to meet the requirements of unmanned surface and underwater vehicles, as well as high-speed patrol boats, where size, weight, power consumption, and cost play a decisive role.

Modern navies are increasingly relying on a mix of manned units and autonomous systems. As these smaller platforms take on increasingly demanding missions, there is a growing need for precise navigation that operates reliably even when GNSS signals are disrupted or unavailable. The Marins M1 is based on Exail’s proven fiber-optic gyroscope technology and offers the stability required for use in GNSS-denied environments.

Performance in a Compact Footprint

The system provides precise data on position, heading, roll, and pitch angles. According to the manufacturer, the maximum position deviation is just 1 nautical mile after 3 hours of operation without external support. Thanks to its compact design and lower price, the Marins M1 delivers military-grade navigation performance in a format specifically tailored to the limited space available on smaller watercraft.

While military-grade navigation solutions have traditionally been reserved for large ships, the increasing autonomy of smaller USVs and UUVs is forcing the industry to develop SWaP-C-optimized solutions (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost). This development is groundbreaking for the drone industry, as the reliability of navigation in GNSS-critical environments represents the greatest obstacle to the widespread deployment of autonomous systems. The integration of such precise inertial navigation systems into compact platforms significantly increases the operational range and safety of unmanned systems and enables more complex missions in challenging operational environments.