Fiber optic inertial navigation, a breakthrough in the modernization of the Vietnam Navy

The inertial navigation system using fiber optic sensors has proven to be a breakthrough when applied in practice in the Vietnam Navy.

Modernizing the Vietnam Navy is an urgent task in the context of increasingly complex regional and international security. As countries step up the development of naval power, Vietnam also needs to improve its defense capacity and protect its sovereignty over its seas and islands, thereby ensuring national security and maintaining its position in the international arena.

One of the strategic steps is to be self-sufficient in technology, especially in the field of navigation systems for naval vessels, to reduce dependence on foreign supplies and save costs. The research, design and manufacture of an inertial navigation system using fiber optic sensor technology by the Military Technical Academy is a typical example of an important step in the modernization of the Vietnamese Navy.

Outstanding features of new navigation technology

The research, design and manufacture of an inertial navigation system using fiber optic sensors (INS-FOG-MTA) deployed by the Military Technical Academy received the First Prize at the Vietnam Science and Technology Innovation Award and the WIPO Award in 2023. This project not only demonstrates the capacity for technological autonomy but also opens up great prospects in improving the combat and operational capabilities of the Vietnam Navy.

The project “Research, design and manufacture of inertial navigation system for Navy ships using fiber optic technology sensors” with code DTĐL.CN-47/19-C, was carried out by a group of leading experts at the Military Technical Academy, headed by Lieutenant General, Professor, Dr. Le Minh Thai and Colonel, Associate Professor, Dr. Trinh Dang Khanh. This system was developed to replace the LADOGA system currently used on the 12418 class of ships of the Navy.

The 12418 class missile boat has applied the inertial navigation system using fiber optic sensors (INS-FOG-MTA) deployed by the Military Technical Academy - Photo: VNE

The INS-FOG-MTA system not only has equivalent features but also outperforms LADOGA in some important aspects such as faster start-up time and lower position error. In particular, the system has been installed, tested and used on Navy ships for 11 months (from January to December 2021), and the results show that the product operates stably, meeting the strict technical requirements of the military.

In addition, the project also developed additional tools to enhance the system's quality monitoring and diagnostic capabilities. Specifically, the two "Diagnostics" and "Monitoring" pages on the indicator computer help users easily assess the standard deviation of parameters and track the journey while the ship is in operation, thereby providing valuable information for evaluating the effectiveness after completing the task.

Power supply, display, and command computer of the Inertial Navigation System. Photo: Research Team of the Military Technical Academy

Not only limited to the naval field, the inertial navigation system using fiber optic sensors also has the potential to be widely applied to many other military vehicles such as artillery, tanks, and motor vehicles. This shows the ability to expand the development of this technology, thereby contributing to the modernization of not only the Navy but also other forces in the Vietnam People's Army.

Economically, this product costs only about 70% of the equivalent product from abroad, helping to save significant costs when implementing mass production. This not only reduces the burden on the defense budget but also enhances the ability to be self-sufficient in equipping weapons and military technology.

Strategic significance in ensuring national defense and security

Mastering the technology of designing and manufacturing inertial navigation systems is a strategic step in modernizing the Vietnamese Navy. Thanks to the ability to replace the LADOGA system and develop new applications for many types of military vehicles, Vietnam not only improves its ability to defend islands and seas, but also ensures secrecy and initiative in weapon equipment.

More importantly, this product not only brings technical benefits but also contributes to training domestic science and technology staff, improving the level of research and development of advanced technology systems. This is of great significance in building a modern military force, meeting the requirements of combat in the new situation.

The successful development of an inertial navigation system using fiber optic sensor technology is an important milestone in the modernization of the Vietnam Navy. This project not only affirms Vietnam's technological autonomy but also opens up many prospects for the widespread application of advanced navigation systems for other military vehicles. With this success, Vietnam is increasingly asserting its position in the region, while ensuring proactive and effective national defense and security.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/dan-duong-quan-tinh-soi-quang-dot-pha-trong-hien-dai-hoa-hai-quan-viet-nam-354661.html