Forge Photonics trials Australian fibre optic gyroscope on Timor Sea hydrographic survey

Canberra-based Forge Photonics, backed by HostPlus and IP Group Australia, is testing its fibre optic gyroscope at sea with Revelare Hydrospatial. The trial sits within a Timor Sea seabed survey north-west of Darwin, covering roughly 5,700 square nautical miles from The Boxers to Lynedoch Bank. The survey is delivered under the federal HydroScheme Industry Partnership Program.

Revelare is comparing the Forge unit with existing overseas-sourced inertial systems, because sonar soundings need accurate trajectory data to be positioned correctly. Forge says its design uses locally mass-produced telecommunications components, which it presents as cheaper and more resilient in supply. The company describes the trial as a first step before overseas trials and talks with local integration partners. Its systems aim to keep platforms navigating when satellite signals are degraded or unavailable.

Why it matters: Hydrographic surveyors rely on precise inertial trajectories to position sonar data. Lower-cost inertial systems that reduce dependence on GNSS could widen access to survey-grade navigation, including for offshore mapping programmes elsewhere.