GAPS, combined USBL + INS + GPS tracking system for fast deployable & high accuracy multiple target positioning

The common threat among MCM operations and concept is the need for a clear and concise battle space picture enabling the on-scene commander to maneuver naval forces from the sea into the littorals. The timely collection of data (REA) and accurate positioning of subsea targets must be possible anywhere in the world, in a potentially rapid approaching and hostile environment, in coastal regions where access is often limited. EXPLORA 05 is a live REA demonstration organised by the French Navy in Morgat bay (close to Brest, France) using subsea remote instrumentation. The iXSea GAPS (Global Acoustic Positioning System) has been used for tracking of several vehicles. In this paper we present it and demonstrate its attractive features for MCM/REA applications including fast deployable, high accuracy, plug and play and easy to use multiple targets positioning system. We also discuss several future new concepts and solutions for subsea positioning iXSea in currently developing, and how they contribute to solve positioning issues on the subsea battlefield.