The CheetahNAV military vehicle navigation system, designed and developed by Pretoria-based electronics company Etion Create, was on display at this year’s World Defense Show (WDS). Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 6 to 9 March 2022, the event included several major international vehicle manufacturers that showcased the CheetahNAV system in their MRAP (mine-resistant armoured protected) vehicles.
“The CheetahNAV has gained significant interest in the Middle East market from the time we launched the system in September 2020,” said Tobie van Loggerenberg, executive business development manager at Etion Create. “Due to our clients insisting on confidentiality in military deals, I can only confirm we signed major contracts with two Middle East customers without being able to name them.” He further stated that the Middle East has become a focus area for Etion Create.
The CheetahNAV was designed for harsh environments, such as those encountered in extreme battlefield conditions. Using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprising several aids, including an advanced algorithm, the CheetahNAV provides vehicle crews with outstanding situational awareness.
“The system provides dead-reckoning horizontal position accuracy of 0,2% of distance travelled, even in a situation where the vehicle crew is denied satellite navigation,” van Loggerenberg explained. This level of precision translates to a margin of error within 200 metres over a distance of 100 kilometres.
The tactical-grade IMU ensures that the system is also immune to enemy jamming. Data is displayed on a sunlight-readable, touchscreen-enabled moving map display unit measuring 11,6 inches (diagonal), in 16:9 TFT format, with a 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Etion Create is also offering a slave unit for the vehicle’s driver, as the main display might be positioned elsewhere in a space-constrained vehicle. This 3,5-inch TFT slave unit displays information that is specifically required by the driver.
According to van Loggerenberg, the CheetahNAV evolved from a multifunctional display product in Etion Create’s existing portfolio of harsh industrial products, which has an installed base of more than 1000 units. This resulted in the system reaching a high TRL (technology readiness level) suitable for the export market, especially where transfer of technology is an essential requirement.
“For the export market, specifically the multinational operations that are almost the norm, we offer a multi-language option,” he stated. “Our CheetahNAV is focused on the export market, including the possibility of technology transfer to enable indigenous manufacturing, as is the case with most Middle East countries.”
| Tel: | +27 12 678 9740 |
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| www: | www.etioncreate.co.za |
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