Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Defence Security

Sonardyne launches SPRINT-Nav U

Sonardyne International Ltd has launch SPRINT-Nav U, the world's smallest hybrid acoustic-inertial navigator designed specifically for compact marine robotic platforms.

Above: The new SPRINT-Nav family of hybrid acoustic-inertial navigators.
Courtesy Sonardyne

 
This groundbreaking technology delivers the proven performance of Sonardyne's industry-leading SPRINT-Nav family in a package measuring just 135 mm tall by 114 mm in diameter and weighing only 600 grams in water.
 
SPRINT-Nav U represents a significant advancement for operators of small ROVs, AUVs, towfish and USVs, who can now access survey-grade navigation capabilities previously available only to larger platforms. The system combines four critical instruments - AHRS, DVL, INS and pressure sensor - into a single unit with one connector and one cable, dramatically simplifying integration while optimising size, weight and power consumption.
 
Aidan Thorn, Business Development Manager – Marine Robotics, Sonardyne, said: "SPRINT-Nav U transforms what's possible for small robotic platforms. Operators can now conduct complex inspections and surveys around offshore structures, ports, and harbours with exceptional accuracy and reliability, without the need for large-scale vessel deployments."
 
Key features

Advertisement
ODU RT
  • Ultra-compact design: Measuring 135 mm x114 mm and weighing only 0.6 kg in water (1.98 kg in air), SPRINT-Nav U fits into spaces traditionally occupied by just a DVL
  • True north seeking: Maintains accurate heading even in ferrous environments where MEMS-based navigation systems struggle
  • Survey-grade performance: Delivers 0.1% error for distance travelled during typical surveys, with heading accuracy of 0.15°
  • Extended altitude range: 500 kHz DVL maintains bottom lock at up to 100 m altitude
  • Rapid deployment: Aligns in just 5 minutes with DVL bottom lock
  • Easy operation: Familiar web user interface shared with SPRINT-Nav Mini, with outputs compatible with third-party software
Advertisement
DSEI 2025

SPRINT-Nav U is particularly valuable for offshore wind operations, where its compact FOG-based IMU provides continuous, high-accuracy position, orientation and velocity data even when operating in and around steel structures.

This capability enables operators to conduct thorough inspections of wind turbine foundations, cables and other subsea infrastructure without the interference issues common to magnetic-based systems.
 
John Houlder, Senior Product Manager, Sonardyne, said: "The ability to maintain accurate navigation in and around ferrous structures is a game-changer for operations such as offshore wind farm monitoring and maintenance. SPRINT-Nav U ensures operators can collect consistent, high-quality data near steel components where other systems would fail."

Advertisement
Roke Roke
BAE Systems awarded US Army M777 structures contract

Defence

BAE Systems awarded US Army M777 structures contract

17 April 2025

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract by the US Army for M777 lightweight howitzer major structures, worth $162 million.

M Group acquires Telent

Defence Security

M Group acquires Telent

16 April 2025

M Group has aquired Telent, a provider of operational technology and digital solutions for Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) across the UK and Ireland.

Serco to support US Navy’s Guided Missile Frigates and ship systems

Defence

Serco to support US Navy’s Guided Missile Frigates and ship systems

16 April 2025

Serco announced today that it has retained its contract to provide technical services to modernise the US Navy’s Guided Missile Frigates and ship systems.

DASA launches Phase Two of Innovation in Support of Operations competition

Defence

DASA launches Phase Two of Innovation in Support of Operations competition

16 April 2025

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has launched Phase Two of its fast paced Themed Competition Innovation in Support of Operations.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
QinetiQ selected as awardee on US Army

Defence

QinetiQ selected as awardee on US Army's PD Aerostats MATOC

16 April 2025

QinetiQ US has been selected as an awardee on the US Army's $4 billion Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) under the US Army Product Director (PD) Aerostats programme.

UK and US complete major hypersonic weapons test programme

Defence

UK and US complete major hypersonic weapons test programme

15 April 2025

UK hypersonic research, which could see weapons travelling at several thousand miles per hour, has reached a landmark moment after successful completion of a major testing programme.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025