TACNAV-X: Military Navigation

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What's up? This is Jon, the creator of TACNAV-X, an offline tactical navigation platform built for austere and contested environments.

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to check out the app.

TACNAV-X is dedicated to the 24 Soldiers killed in action during our deployment to Afghanistan in 2010, and to the men and women who continue to serve today.

I'm still here, I'm still listening, and I'm still building.

God bless you,

Jon

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KEY FEATURES:

• Offline mapping capabilities (full app usage with no emission of a cellular signal)
• Purpose-built for the individual Soldier
• WGS-84 standard (MGRS, UTM, BNG, and USNG coordinates)
• A military-quality precision targeting platform
• Tactical drawing mode (useful for mission planning, building overlays, targeting, etc.)
• Waypoint plotting functionality with military graphics (per FM 1-02.2)
• Compass “FastLock” function for capturing quick and precise azimuths
• ‘Go to Grid’ feature for precision planning and targeting
• Snap and save photographs onto the main map to increase situational awareness
• Location, waypoint, and photo-sharing capabilities (via email and text)
• One-button night mode function for low-light situations
• Apple Watch support included for free

BACKGROUND:

Built from the ground up in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan, Tactical NAV (also known as TACNAV-X) was developed by a U.S. Army Field Artillery officer with the vision of crafting a low-cost and highly accurate mobile navigation platform tailored for the U.S. military.

Tactical NAV’s journey began in the Pech and Korengal Valleys of Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Capt. Jonathan J. Springer, a Field Artilleryman serving as a Fire Support Officer with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), began developing this tactical navigation platform immediately after the memorial services for Spc. Blair D. Thompson and Spc. Jared C. Plunk, who were killed in action on June 25, 2010.

Despite initial rejections by the Department of Defense, Captain Springer remained steadfast in his mission to continue developing TACNAV-X, even to this day.

He used his life savings to fund and develop TACNAV-X, all with the ultimate hope of saving military lives and helping his fellow service members accomplish their missions at home and abroad.

Tactical NAV officially launched on the App Store on February 14, 2011.

BUILT FOR ACCURACY:

TACNAV-X was extensively field-tested during military operations in Afghanistan and later at Fort Bragg, including comparative testing alongside the AN/PSN-13 Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) and other military navigation systems.

MISSION:

Empower military service members with a highly accurate and powerful mobile navigation platform.

VISION:

Assist and support our nation’s service members with their mobile navigational needs and enable them to operate and win in both training and combat environments.

BOTTOM LINE:

Tactical NAV has undergone extensive real-world evaluation alongside Nett Warrior, ATAK, BFT, the DAGR, and other military targeting and navigation systems. During comparative testing, TACNAV-X demonstrated accuracy within 1 meter of a DAGR.

IAPs & SUBSCRIPTIONS:

Currently, offline mapping mode is available as a monthly or yearly subscription, or as a one-time purchase. Drawing mode, previously an in-app purchase, is now included free for all users.

All revenue generated from these features contributes to further development and updates, and a portion of the proceeds are donated to charities that specifically benefit disabled veterans.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The Department of Defense does not endorse Tactical NAV or TACNAV-X. The app should not replace a government-issued device during life-threatening or combat operations.

SUPPORT:

If you have any questions about the app, please contact Jonathan Springer directly at [email protected].

We’ve been listening closely to your feedback and are rebuilding Tactical NAV from the ground up for what’s next.

What’s New:

• Updated for iOS 27
• Next-Gen Hardware Support
• Continued Swift Rebuild
• Performance, Maintenance & Fixes

This is just the beginning.

A lot more is underway behind the scenes as we build the next generation of TACNAV-X.

Stay tuned!

Jon