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
Leonardo animated rectangle

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
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Saab opens UK site to support British Army training

Defence

Saab opens UK site to support British Army training

19 December 2025

Saab UK has opened a new site in South West England dedicated to its Training & Simulation business unit. This expansion strengthens Saab’s ability to deliver advanced training solutions to the British Army.

Patria and Germany sign two contracts within CAVS programme

Defence

Patria and Germany sign two contracts within CAVS programme

19 December 2025

Patria and Germany have concluded two procurement contracts within the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme.

Top Australian and UK universities sign AUKUS innovation pact

Defence

Top Australian and UK universities sign AUKUS innovation pact

18 December 2025

Eight Australian and UK universities have become the founding members of a new Advanced Skills Alliance, to fast-track the skills and research needed to build security, defence and resilience capabilities.

Dstl leads on NATO emerging disruptive tech competition

Defence

Dstl leads on NATO emerging disruptive tech competition

18 December 2025

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is leading a NATO research project called ‘Youth Perspective on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies’.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
STS Defence awarded SDA contract for SCHM Phase 2

Defence

STS Defence awarded SDA contract for SCHM Phase 2

18 December 2025

STS Defence has been awarded a contract to further develop and demonstrate software algorithms for the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), following on from a previous Phase 1 project investigating Sensor Channel Health Monitoring (SCHM).

ESS and Royal Navy win Institute for Collaborative Working’s Chairman’s Award

Defence Events

ESS and Royal Navy win Institute for Collaborative Working’s Chairman’s Award

17 December 2025

Specialist provider of Facilities Management (FM) and foodservice to military establishments across the UK, ESS Defence, together with the Royal Navy, have won this year’s Institute for Collaborative Working Chairman’s Award.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB