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Sonardyne has launched the groundbreaking
SPRINT-Nav U, one of the world's smallest hybrid
acoustic-inertial navigators designed specifically
for compact marine robotic platforms.
This technology delivers the proven performance
of Sonardyne's SPRINT-Nav family in a package
measuring just 135 mm tall by 114mm 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.
"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," said Aidan
Thorn, Business Development
Manager – Marine
Robotics, Sonardyne.
Key features and benefits
●
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
SPRINT-Nav
●
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
GAME-CHANGING CAPABILITIES
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.
"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." John Houlder,
Senior Product Manager, Sonardyne.
SPRINT-NAV U
NEWS
SONARDYNE