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Captured drone module uses terrain-matching optics for GPS-denied navigation

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A Russian UAV development channel describes a captured optical navigation module that navigates without satellite signals by photographing the terrain directly below and matching frames against a pre-loaded area map stored on an encrypted partition — the module will not operate until a physical smartcard is presented to unlock that partition. A single-board computer handles all matching onboard and outputs position estimates to the flight controller as a drop-in GPS substitute. The 3D-printed enclosure and card-authentication requirement suggest small-scale production rather than a factory line, but the system is rated for day-and-night use and requires no operator input once airborne.

Sources — 1 post

Topicsdronescomponentsai warfareelectronic warfare

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