TRNAV is a regional terrestrial navigation system based on smart communication technologies developed by TUALCOM. By setting up a network of TRNAV ground stations at known locations, every platform carrying a TUALCOM position finder will be able to take advantage of the position information available from the TRNAV system.
Its principle of operation is similar to the working principles of GNSS technology; however, the TRNAV system has the added benefit of being designed with a foundation of data link technology. This allows for the unique capability of transferring not only position information over the TRNAV system, but also all other types of data (video, sound, text…etc.)
Extremely accurate and stable timing synchronisation between the nodes in the TRNAV network is what allows for the calculation of precise position, comparable to the position precision of GNSS. The main characteristic, however, is its ability to operate completely independent of any GNSS signal. Due to its ad-hoc mesh networking capabilities, multiple platforms with a TUALCOM position finder attached can benefit from this system by seamlessly integrating into the network. The high computation rate of the system offers a more effective navigation opportunity compared to GNSS systems, especially for high-speed platforms.
TRNAV has been field proven and it has been shown to be capable of providing navigation capability to platforms in GNSS denied/degraded environments. Not only are the ground stations able to transmit position information, but also platforms with a TUALCOM position finder transceiver module is able to act as a mobile node within the network to further extend the network’s capabilities.
TRNAV Development Process
TUALCOM specialises in RF communication technology with many high-performance solutions currently actively used in variety of military platforms. Data links are one of the product lines which TUALCOM has specialised in, enabling mesh network communication capabilities.
TUALCOM’s data links provide communication options in the L, S and C frequency bands, which can be chosen depending on the technical requirements of the application. Image and video transfer at high data rates can be achieved due to the design architecture being suitable for multiple communication forms.
TUALCOM’s expertise in data links has facilitated the same fundamental principles to be applied to address the problem of navigating in GNSS denied environments. In recent years, there has been a rise in GNSS jamming attacks due to the proliferation of unmanned systems. Maintaining an active GNSS signal is crucial for unmanned systems for navigation purposes, however the ever-increasing jamming threat has been jeopardizing this ability. This development has both increased interest in GNSS anti-jamming systems and revealed the necessity of having GNSS independent navigation technologies.
TRNAV (TeRrestrial NAVigation) has been developed by TUALCOM Elektronik A.Ş. to meet the need for positioning and timing information without relying on a GNSS signal. The system has now been successfully implemented in regions within Türkiye with a plan to expand country wide to improve Türkiye’s positional and navigation resilience.
TRNAV Roadmap
With the Defence Industry Agency of Türkiye overseeing TRNAV’s implementation, it has been possible to install this system into various regions of Türkiye as a pilot application. Further expansion throughout the whole country is currently being planned, following the success of the initial implementation. In addition, integration with missiles, marine vehicles, manned/unmanned aerial vehicles and land vehicles has been shown to be very effective. The TRNAV system successfully takes part in both for national and cross-border applications as a result of the ease of set-up and its ability can be expanded with UAV support.
