GNSS-Independent Navigation

Today, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) typically rely on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data for positioning and navigation tasks. However, the fact that GNSS signals can be disrupted by GNSS jammers poses significant threats to operational reliability and mission continuity.

GNSS signals are inherently low-power and vulnerable, making them susceptible to disruptions through GNSS jamming or spoofing attacks. Such attacks can prevent UAVs from reliably determining their position, velocity, and heading, leading to several critical risks:

• Loss of GNSS signals can cause UAVs to become disoriented and deviate from their planned flight paths.
  
• Autonomous flight systems dependent on GNSS may be unable to complete planned missions or may fail entirely if positional data is lost.
  
• In systems reliant on GNSS, loss of signal can prevent execution of return-to-launch functions, increasing the risk of platform loss or uncontrolled crashes.
  

The use of GNSS jammers can result in operational failures and strategic disadvantages during military and other critical missions.

KERKES: GNSS-Independent Navigation

To mitigate these risks, STM has developedKERKES, a critical solution that enables GNSS-independent operation through visual navigation capabilities, significantly enhancing operational security.

The KERKES system relies on the integration of visual data from onboard sensors with inertial sensor data using sensor fusion techniques, powered by Computer Vision and Deep Learning algorithms. This enables precise position estimation without any dependence on GNSS signals.

When up-to-date orthophoto maps of the operational area are uploaded into the KERKES system, it can determine the UAV’s absolute geographic coordinates with high precision. In scenarios where no maps are available, the system generates relative position and velocity data with respect to the take-off point, enabling the UAV to navigate independently of GNSS data.

Because the system operates without using GNSS data, it remains completely unaffected by GNSS jamming and allows UAVs to execute uninterrupted, reliable, and jam-resistant missions.

Cost-Effective GNSS-Independent Navigation for Loitering Munitions

Integrating payloads capable of GNSS-independent navigation into loitering munitions often pushes these platforms beyond their cost-effective range. To address this challenge, STM is working on a solution that involves employing a GNSS-independent reconnaissance UAV in a swarm configuration alongside loitering munitions. This innovative approach aims to provide loitering munitions with GNSS-independent navigation capabilities without compromising their cost-effectiveness.