AFRL to host visual navigation flight experiment this summer

The Air Force Research Laboratory plans to host a flight experiment this summer to explore the utility of onboard visual navigation sensors to augment or replace GPS systems in a contested environment.

In a new request for information, AFRL's Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation Office states that it is looking for information from industry on possible VisNav solutions.

The Air Force relies on GPS-based sensors to provide navigation capability for many of its weapon systems, but the growing threat of jamming or degraded GPS have driven the service to look at backup or replacement options.

"In an environment where GPS is denied, degraded or otherwise unavailable for extended durations, these navigation solutions may experience reduced accuracy that grows over time to unacceptable levels," the Dec. 20 RFI states. "A possible mitigation to this solution is to utilize onboard sensors for tracking visual landmarks to calculate vehicle position, velocity and altitude."

The experiment, which is slated for June, was recommended by the Air Force's PNT cross function team. The RFI notes that it could lead to opportunities for continued assessment and "rapid transition" to a program of record.

Responses are due Jan. 24.