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.