What VectorNav does

VectorNav Technologies is a private Dallas, Texas-based manufacturer of high-performance inertial navigation systems founded in 2008. The company designs and produces MEMS-based Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Attitude Heading Reference Systems (AHRS), and GNSS-aided Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) that combine 3-axis accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and GNSS receivers using proprietary Extended Kalman Filter sensor fusion algorithms. The product portfolio spans two performance tiers — Industrial-grade (VN-100 IMU/AHRS, VN-200 GNSS/INS, VN-300 dual GNSS/INS) and Tactical-grade (VN-110, VN-210, VN-310) — in both surface-mount and rugged packaging formats. Notable proprietary technologies include the VectorNav Processing Engine (VPE) 2.0 for real-time magnetic and acceleration disturbance rejection, LEO satellite aiding via Iridium STL for GNSS-denied operation, multi-band GNSS receivers (L1/L2/L5 with RTK), high-G capability (95G/250G accelerometers, 4000°/sec gyros), and individual (not batch) temperature calibration across -40°C to +85°C. Tactical Series products meet MIL-STD-810G/461G/1275E, DO-160G, and Blue UAS Framework requirements, and the company's 100,000 sq ft Dallas manufacturing facility holds AS9100D and ISO 9001 certifications. Products are ITAR-free, enabling rapid procurement for domestic and international defense programs.

The company serves defense and aerospace as its primary segment, with additional exposure to marine, industrial, and commercial autonomy applications, fielding 100,000+ units across 5,000+ customers in 60+ countries. Named end users and program references include the DoD and prime contractors, MQ-9 Reaper operators, Neya Systems (AEODRS program), Octopus ISR Systems, the Indy Autonomous Challenge, and Red Bull Air Race. The business model is hardware-driven: Industrial-grade units are sold at transparent list prices ranging from $600 to $5,375, while Tactical-grade and embedded modules are sold via direct enterprise sales engagement. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales for defense programs, a global network of regional sales representatives across Europe and Asia-Pacific, a public e-commerce storefront for developers and SMBs, and an OEM/embedded integration channel. The company self-funds its growth (no external funding rounds disclosed), has expanded its Dallas production facility from 30,000 sq ft in 2013 to 100,000 sq ft in 2025, and has formed strategic collaborations with NAL Research (2025) for Iridium STL-aided INS and KVH Industries (2018) for fiber optic gyro integration.

Name

VectorNav

Legal name

VectorNav Technologies LLC

Website

https://vectornav.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

VectorNav Technologies is a Dallas-based manufacturer of high-performance MEMS inertial navigation systems (IMUs, AHRS, and GNSS/INS) for defense, aerospace, marine, and commercial autonomy customers across 60+ countries, with 100,000+ units fielded.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Inertial Navigation Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)

akta.pro primary industry

Inertial Navigation Systems (INS/IMU) (IMABAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

GNSS/GPS Navigation & Augmentation Systems (IMABAFAC), Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) & Avionics Computing Platforms (IMABAFAI), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Electronics for Weapons (IMABAGAH), Ruggedized/Harsh-Environment Electronics Manufacturing (IP-rated, shock/vibration, wide-temp) (IMAGAGAF), Sensor Fusion, Interface ICs & Modules (AFE/Readout/Packaging/Calibration) (HDAHALAO)

Keywords

• Inertial navigation systems
• MEMS IMU sensors
• GNSS aided INS
• Tactical grade IMU
• Attitude heading reference

Headquarters

HQ city

Dallas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales (IMU/INS Products): VectorNav generates revenue primarily from the sale of inertial measurement units (IMUs), attitude heading reference systems (AHRS), and GNSS-aided inertial navigation systems (GNSS/INS). Products are sold as complete units with various packaging options (SMD, Rugged, Embedded) at price points ranging from $600 to $5,375 per unit.
2. Development Kits and Accessories: Revenue from development kits, cables, breakout boards, and GNSS antennas that complement the core IMU/INS product lines, providing an entry point for customer evaluation and integration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

VectorNav designs and manufactures high-performance MEMS-based inertial measurement units (IMUs), attitude heading reference systems (AHRS), and GNSS-aided inertial navigation systems (GNSS/INS). The portfolio spans Industrial-grade (VN-100, VN-200, VN-300) and Tactical-grade (VN-110, VN-210, VN-310) product lines offered in SMD and Rugged packaging options, with sub-degree heading accuracy, centimeter-level RTK positioning, and resilient GNSS-denied performance for defense, aerospace, marine, industrial, and commercial applications.

Product overview

VectorNav offers a portfolio of inertial navigation products centered on MEMS-based IMU and GNSS-Aided INS systems. The product line spans two performance tiers (Industrial-grade and Tactical-grade) across two form factors (Surface Mount Device/SMD for OEM integration and Rugged for off-the-shelf deployment). The core IMU/AHRS offerings include the VN-100 (Industrial) and VN-110 (Tactical), which measure angular rate and acceleration for attitude estimation. The GNSS/INS products (VN-200, VN-210 single-antenna; VN-300, VN-310 dual-antenna) fuse inertial measurements with GNSS receivers through proprietary Extended Kalman Filters to deliver position, velocity, and attitude. Specialized variants address SWaP-constrained (VN-210E, VN-310E embedded modules), extended velocity (VN-210-S-ERV), and multi-frequency GNSS applications (VN-210-S with L1/L2/L5). Development kits, GNSS antennas, adapter cables, and VectorNav Control Center software complement the hardware portfolio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VN-100 Industrial IMU/AHRS Miniature, high-performance Industrial-grade Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) combining 3-axis accelerometers, gyros, magnetometers, barometric pressure sensor, and a 32-bit processor. Delivers calibrated IMU data and a real-time 3D attitude solution continuous over 360 degrees of motion. Available in SMD (surface mount) and Rugged packaging. Used by developers, integrators, and commercial/industrial customers needing reliable motion sensing.
• VN-110 Tactical IMU/AHRS Tactical-grade IMU/AHRS incorporating 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, and 3-axis magnetometer with 0.6 deg/hr gyro bias stability (typical). Available in MIL-STD rugged IP68-rated enclosure (VN-110) meeting DO-160G, MIL-STD-1275E, MIL-STD-461G, MIL-STD-810G, or as an embedded module (VN-110E) for SWaP-C constrained applications. Designed for defense, aerospace, and mission-critical programs.
• VN-200 GNSS/INS Industrial-grade GNSS-Aided Inertial Navigation System combining 3-axis gyros, accelerometers, magnetometers, an embedded 72-channel L1 GNSS receiver, and advanced Kalman filtering. Provides position, velocity, and attitude estimates. Available in SMD and Rugged packaging for OEM integration and off-the-shelf deployment.
• VN-210 Tactical GNSS/INS Tactical-grade GNSS-Aided INS combining a 3-axis accelerometer, gyro, magnetometer, and Multi-band L1/L2/E5b GNSS receiver to deliver high-accuracy position, velocity, and attitude. Offered in multiple variants: VN-210 (rugged), VN-210E (embedded module), VN-210-S (tri-band L1/L2/L5/E1/E5a/b), and VN-210-S-ERV (extended velocity range with anti-jam/anti-spoof). Designed for defense and aerospace integrators.
• VN-300 Dual GNSS/INS Miniature, high-performance Dual Antenna GNSS-Aided INS combining MEMS inertial sensors, two high-sensitivity 72-channel L1 GNSS receivers, and advanced Kalman filtering. Enables accurate heading measurements via GNSS compassing without relying on vehicle dynamics or magnetic sensors. Available in SMD and Rugged packaging.
• VN-310 Tactical Dual GNSS/INS Tactical-grade Dual Antenna GNSS-Aided INS combining 3-axis accelerometers, gyros, magnetometers, and two Multi-band L1/L2/E1/E5b GNSS receivers. Delivers high-accuracy position, velocity, and attitude in static and dynamic conditions. Available in rugged (VN-310) or embedded (VN-310E) packaging for SWaP-constrained applications. IP68 rated and designed to meet DO-160G and MIL-STD standards.
• VN-100 Development Kit Development kit for the VN-100 Rugged IMU/AHRS. Includes core hardware and interfaces for lab and field evaluation, system integration, and performance validation. Pricing ranges from $1,200 to $1,525.
• VN-200 Development Kit Development kit for the VN-200 Rugged GNSS/INS. Includes core hardware and interfaces for evaluation and integration testing. Listed price $3,500.
• VN-300 Development Kit Development kit for the VN-300 Rugged Dual GNSS/INS. Includes core hardware and interfaces for evaluation and testing. Listed price $5,375.
• Tallysman GNSS Antenna (2712) GNSS antenna accessory (Tallysman 2712) compatible with VN-200 and VN-300 products. Listed price $100.

Quantifiable outcome

• Positioning within approximately 50 meters CEP in GNSS-denied conditions using Iridium LEO satellite aiding
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• NAL Research / NAL TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 30 April 2025Joint development collaboration to produce Iridium STL-aided Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) designed for resilient Position, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) in GNSS-denied environments. The collaboration addresses increasing vulnerabilities like jamming and spoofing with future focus on reducing SWaP-C and supporting MIL-STD compliance for defense and aerospace applications.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell is a dominant incumbent in aerospace inertial navigation, producing high-end IMUs, INS, and integrated avionics suites for commercial and military aircraft. It is comparable to VectorNav as a supplier of navigation sensors but operates at vastly larger scale and broader system-level scope.
• Northrop Grumman (LITEF): LITEF, a Northrop Grumman subsidiary, manufactures tactical-grade and navigation-grade fiber-optic and MEMS gyros and INS for defense platforms. Comparable to VectorNav in delivering high-performance inertial solutions to defense customers but with deeper program entrenchment.
• Safran Electronics & Defense (Sagem): Safran/Sagem produces inertial navigation systems, AHRS, and GNSS/INS for military and commercial aerospace, including high-G applications for missiles and armored vehicles. Directly comparable to VectorNav's tactical-grade INS offering but at much broader system scope.
• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris provides tactical-grade inertial navigation units and GNSS/INS for defense applications, including guided munitions and UAV platforms. Comparable to VectorNav in targeting defense and aerospace INS requirements at program level.
• Thales Group: Thales designs and manufactures inertial navigation systems, AHRS, and GNSS-aided solutions for military, aerospace, and naval platforms. Comparable to VectorNav in mission-critical navigation offerings with significantly broader portfolio and global footprint.
• Exail (formerly iXblue): Exail manufactures high-performance fiber-optic gyroscope-based INS and QUANUPHASE quantum-based navigation systems for naval, defense, and commercial applications. Comparable to VectorNav's tactical INS offerings with strong defense alignment.

Direct peers

• SBG Systems: SBG Systems is a closely direct peer producing MEMS-based GNSS/INS, AHRS, and IMU products for autonomous vehicles, marine, surveying, and defense applications. Comparable product portfolio and target segments, with similar form-factor emphasis but typically focused on surveying and commercial autonomy rather than tactical-grade defense.
• Oxford Technical Solutions (OxTS): OxTS manufactures MEMS-based GNSS/INS systems primarily for automotive testing, ADAS development, and survey applications. Directly comparable in product architecture (MEMS + GNSS + EKF fusion) but with stronger automotive/industrial focus than VectorNav's defense emphasis.
• Advanced Navigation: Advanced Navigation produces MEMS and fiber-optic gyroscope-based INS, AHRS, and IMU products for defense, marine, and autonomous systems. Comparable to VectorNav in targeting tactical-grade defense applications with miniature form factors and similar emerging player profile.
• KVH Industries: KVH Industries manufactures fiber-optic gyro-based IMU/INS and inertial systems for defense, industrial, and autonomous applications. VectorNav already partners with KVH (May 2018 joint collaboration), indicating direct product/technology overlap in inertial navigation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vectornav-technologies
• Facebookfacebook.com/vectornav

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about VectorNav