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
ODU RT

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
Leonardo animated rectangle

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
Babcock LB
Boeing expands UK footprint following Spirit AeroSystems acquisition

Defence

Boeing expands UK footprint following Spirit AeroSystems acquisition

8 December 2025

Boeing today announced the company has completed its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, significantly expanding its UK footprint in Northern Ireland.

Babcock unveils ARMOR

Defence

Babcock unveils ARMOR

8 December 2025

Babcock has unveiled ARMOR Force (Autonomous and Remote, Maritime Operational Response – Force), an architecture of disaggregated systems and platforms capable of independent operations and connected by advanced digital capabilities.

RAF Waddington hosts hydrogen energy tech demo

Defence Events

RAF Waddington hosts hydrogen energy tech demo

8 December 2025

GeoPura has delivered a landmark demonstration of its resilient, zero-emission hydrogen energy technology at RAF Waddington, showcasing the capability of two Hydrogen Power Units (HPU-Ms) to provide robust, off-grid electrical power suitable for deployed, expeditionary and main-base resilience applications.

UK reveals Atlantic Bastion tech

Defence

UK reveals Atlantic Bastion tech

8 December 2025

The UK has unveiled work on its groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme, which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic, through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
MASS delivers Joint Venture 2025

Defence Events

MASS delivers Joint Venture 2025

8 December 2025

Defence and training support company MASS and its JCAST partners, have successfully delivered Joint Venture 2025 alongside the UK MoD’s Integrated Warfare Centre (IWC) - the capstone annual operational validation event ensuring the UK is prepared for war in Europe.

Cobham Satcom and Gatehouse Satcom

Defence Security Space

Cobham Satcom and Gatehouse Satcom's Network Division to merge

8 December 2025

Cobham Satcom and Gatehouse Satcom today announced a strategic merger between Gatehouse Satcom and Cobham Satcom’s Network Division.

Advertisement
ODU RT