HBK shrinks tactical-grade navigation into a 15g powerhouse

MicroStrain by HBK, a pioneer in inertial sensing technology, has launched the 3DM-CV7-GNSS/INS – an ultra-compact, tactical-grade inertial navigation system designed for seamless integration into space-constrained platforms.

Combining advanced inertial technology with tightly coupled, onboard dual-frequency GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers, the 3DM-CV7-GNSS/INS delivers the precision and reliability needed for navigation and localisation in dynamic environments – particularly those where GNSS signals may be weak, intermittent, or denied altogether.

From autonomous robotics to drones and UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles), this new solution helps engineers overcome one of the toughest challenges in modern navigation: achieving consistent, high-quality data in challenging conditions.

Weighing just 15.6 grams and measuring 38x30x10mm, the 3DM-CV7-GNSS/INS offers tactical-grade performance without any size, weight, or cost trade-offs. Its user-friendly functionality, Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter, and full industrial temperature calibration deliver robust and reliable data acquisition across a wide range of real-world scenarios.

Engineers benefit from the sensor’s compatibility with open-source platforms such as PX4 and ROS, which enables faster development cycles and easier integration into existing architectures.

Justin Bessette, Engineering Manager at HBK commented,

“With the 3DM-CV7-GNSS/INS, we’re bringing tactical-grade performance to applications where every gram and millimetre matter. Built for real-world situations, this embeddable sensor is a flexible, ready-to-integrate solution – making advanced navigation easier to deploy and more dependable across the board.”

Low-latency data processing, accurate positioning during dead reckoning, and resilient performance in demanding conditions all allow the 3DM-CV7-GNSS/INS to redefine what’s possible in embeddable navigation technology.

This latest innovation underscores HBK’s commitment to best-in-class inertial sensing. With proven calibration standards, robust GNSS integration, and extensive configurability, HBK sensors continue to set the benchmark for precision and flexibility in complex applications.

As industries push toward smarter autonomy and increasingly compact systems, HBK remains at the forefront – delivering innovative, future-ready sensor solutions that empower engineers to navigate further, faster, and more reliably.