JFD and US Navy introduce Shadow NAV
JFD has partnered with the US Navy’s Naval Surface Warfare Centre – Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) to develop an advanced hands-free combat diver navigation module called the Shadow NAV.
Military combat divers often conduct underwater missions in hazardous and zero visibility conditions. Critical to mission success is having accurate underwater compass and depth readings to assist with navigation while
staying within closed circuit oxygen rebreather depth limits to prevent oxygen toxicity, which can cause significant health risks to the diver. Current handheld or tactical swim board mounted compasses, depth gauges, and chronometers are obsolete in a zero-visibility environment.
The Shadow NAV is fitted to a diver’s standard half mask and provides a clear visual display of the wearer’s compass heading, depth, and time even in near-zero visibility conditions. Through using a mask-mounted head-up display, combat divers are not restricted by the poor visibility mission environment and may not need to carry a tactical swim board.
JFD expects that the small, low-power enhanced navigation capability will significantly improve safety standards for military divers.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Canadian Coast Guard OOSV Naalak Nappaaluk enters sea testing phase]()
Canadian Coast Guard OOSV Naalak Nappaaluk enters sea testing phase
Trials in North Vancouver with the Coast Guard’s largest science-dedicated vessel will involve full-scale exercises to evaluate systems’ integrations and performance.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy advances with the construction of its first River-Class destroyer]()
Royal Canadian Navy advances with the construction of its first River-Class destroyer
Scheduled for delivery by 2033, HMCS Fraser will be a major surface component of the Canadian maritime combat power.
-
![Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar]()
Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar
Ireland has a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends 370km (200nm) offshore and contains 75% of the transatlantic subsea cables which carry $10 trillion in financial transactions daily. The country is investing to increase protection and surveillance of these waters.
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays]()
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
