Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • AGI completes Visual Landing Aid upgrade on RAN's HMAS Choules

Defence

AGI completes Visual Landing Aid upgrade on RAN's HMAS Choules

Poole based Aeronautical & General Instruments Ltd (AGI), in partnership with its technical support agent Owen International Pty Ltd, have completed the successful commissioning of the new Visual Landing Aid System onboard HMAS Choules, the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Bay Class Landing Ship Dock (LSD).

Above: Visual Landing Aids being tested during First of Class Flight Trials in Sydney Harbour, on HMAS Choules.
Image courtesy AGI

A collaborative effort between the Royal Australian Navy Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), Atlantic & Peninsula Australia (A&P), AGI and Owen International saw the delivery of an integrated digital system of advanced visual cues, with the capacity of being seamlessly upgraded to support UAV systems in the future.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250

Owen International, who support and sustain AGI’s systems in Australia and New Zealand, commissioned the new Visual Landing Aid System and attended the First of Class Flight Trials which were conducted off the east coast of Australia by the RAN’s Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit (AMAFTU).   

AGI Managing Director, David Hyde commented: “This is a very significant achievement, a milestone in the continued growth of our sustainment capability with Owen International in the Asia Pacific region. The successful commissioning of the system by Owen has set a new benchmark in the development of AGI`s Australian Industrial capability”.

Reducing pilot workload and increasing operational capability, AGI’s Visual Landing Aids are the choice of the worlds most advanced navies. The core product offering which includes an Advanced Glide Slope Indicator (ASGSI), latest generation Stabilised Horizon Reference System (SHRS) and DeckfinderTM Ready Combination Deck Lights provides greater awareness of vessel position and motion with advanced visual cues.  

Advertisement
ODU RT

As the global capability for supporting the operation of Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAVs) progresses, the system can be seamlessly upgraded to incorporate automated UAV landing features.  

Based in Poole in Dorset, AGI supplies over 50 countries worldwide, manufacturing a wide variety of defence products and naval equipment. Founded in 1915, AGI has built up a reputation for high quality, well-engineered products that employ electronic, electromechanical and optical technologies. Its naval products include Visual Landing Aids for Rotary, Fixed-Wing and Automated UAV Landing, as well as Meteorological and Navigational Systems. Its Instrumentation product range includes Safety OHM Meters, Airport Weather Systems and Gun Barrel Bore Gauges. AGI’s team of In Service Support Engineers provide the support services necessary throughout the life of the equipment, such as installation, commissioning, training and repairs.

Owen International has supplied and supported Australian Defence Force (ADF) equipment for over 37 years. Systems include Ship Visual Landing Aids, Meteorological, Chemical Detection, Electro Optical Surveillance and Gun Fire Control Systems.

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
BIAS 2026 to focus on AAM, sustainability and innovation

Aerospace Defence Space Events

BIAS 2026 to focus on AAM, sustainability and innovation

11 November 2025

The biennial Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) - taking place next year, 18th-20th November 2026 - is to feature a dedicated focus on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), consider efforts to build a more sustainable aviation infrastructure and explore defence and space business innovation.

Minister shown transformative solutions for UK Armed Forces

Defence

Minister shown transformative solutions for UK Armed Forces

11 November 2025

During a visit to QinetiQ’s HQ in Farnborough, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, met with engineers and scientists to see how its investment in new digital and AI technologies, to augment high value engineering skills, is significantly increasing productivity and ramping up the involvement of UK SMEs to harness innovation.

Jacobs appointed as CCS management consultancy

Defence

Jacobs appointed as CCS management consultancy

11 November 2025

Jacobs has been named as a supplier on the Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Management Consultancy Framework Four (MCF4) on Lot 8 – Infrastructure, to deliver advisory services to UK public sector clients through 2027, including for transportation and defence.

Veteran support centres to open across the UK

Defence

Veteran support centres to open across the UK

11 November 2025

Over 1.8 million veterans across the UK will benefit from a new network of local support centres, as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) launches a transformational Veterans Strategy to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served and recognise their invaluable contribution to the nation as a whole.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
LEMO UK introduces REDEL SP Series plastic connectors

Aerospace Defence

LEMO UK introduces REDEL SP Series plastic connectors

10 November 2025

LEMO has introduced the new IP68-rated REDEL SP Series plastic connectors, the next generation of high-performance connectors designed for critical applications in test & measurement and UAV environments.

SSC and Greenroom Robotics team to advance AUKUS tech ecosystem

Defence

SSC and Greenroom Robotics team to advance AUKUS tech ecosystem

10 November 2025

Portsmouth based SubSea Craft (SSC) and Australian company Greenroom Robotics have signed a teaming agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration across the AUKUS technology ecosystem.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250