Case Study: Dynetics achieves safe in-flight drone retrieval with Advanced Navigation INS

Dynetics Selects Advanced Navigation for Gremlins X-61 UAV

Dynetics, a subsidiary of Leidos, needed a highly accurate and reliable navigation solution for the DARPA Gremlins program, which aims to launch and recover multiple small UAVs in flight from a manned aircraft. The challenge was to safely coordinate precision retrieval in contested environments while keeping the system compact, low power, and cost-effective. Advanced Navigation’s Spatial Dual INS was selected to support the project’s in-flight drone retrieval and post-flight measurement needs.

Advanced Navigation’s Spatial Dual dual-antenna GNSS/INS provided the precision positioning and reliable data Dynetics needed, including support for Kinematica post-processing to measure relative positions between the recovery aircraft, UAV, and recovery system. The units performed well in early flight tests, delivered useful post-flight analysis data, and their low SWaP-C helped convince Dynetics to make the Spatial Dual part of the final recovery system design. As a result, Dynetics achieved accurate relative position data, targeting about 10 cm accuracy, and improved the safety and effectiveness of the airborne recovery system.

Dynetics

Tim Keeter

Deputy Program Manager and Chief Engineer