France: iXblue Gaps acoustic positioning system selected for mine warfare.

The French DGA Naval Engineering Department (DGA/TN), an entity specializing in mine warfare experiments, has selected the iXblue Gaps acoustic positioning system for its submarine positioning and tracking applications.

Gaps acoustic positioning system (Picture source: iXblue)

"The choice of Gaps by the DGA / TN, French reference in the field of mine warfare, is a great mark of confidence granted to our submarine positioning technology”, says Hubert Pelletier, head of the acoustic division of iXblue. "This contract, which reinforces a long-standing collaboration with the DGA / TN, demonstrates the quality and reliability of our Gaps acoustic positioning system for strategic military applications such as mine warfare."

Incorporating the iXblue Phins inertial navigation panel, the Gaps system provides a pre-calibrated USBL (Ultra-Short Base Line) antenna and provides highly accurate georeferenced positioning performance, especially in shallow water and in noisy environments. Its telemetry function also allows the recalibration of the inertial navigation systems (INS) embedded on the underwater carrier through an acoustic communication link and the control / command of the system. The wide opening of its 3D antenna, reaching 200 degrees, also gives it an unmatched ability in terms of positioning and horizontal tracking, allowing the system to cover a very large area and keep the carrier ship away from the risk area. Compact and lightweight, Gaps offers great simplicity of use and integration and can be installed on different types of platforms (hulls of ships, hoisting systems, poles, buoys, surface drones).

This new contract notified by the DGA / TN confirms the success of the iXblue acoustic positioning system for several years. Gaps has already been adopted by more than 120 military and civilian players around the world and has become a benchmark product in recent years for operations requiring the precise positioning of underwater vehicles, towed fish and divers.