Tactical NAV app for iPhone and iPad


4.8 ( 9008 ratings )
Productivity Navigation
Developer: TacNav Systems LLC
8.99 USD
Current version: 4.2.2, last update: 4 months ago
First release : 14 Feb 2011
App size: 38.74 Mb

BACKGROUND:

Built from the ground up in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan, Tactical NAV was created 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 NAVs journey began in the Pech River Valley and the Korengal Valley in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Capt. Jonathan J. Springer, a Fire Support Officer with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), embarked on the development of this tactical navigation platform immediately following 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 Tactical NAV — even to this day. His ultimate goals were (and still are) to make a positive difference for other soldiers and service members and to honor the men and women killed and wounded in battle.

He used his life savings to fund and develop Tactical NAV, all with the ultimate hope of saving military lives and assisting fellow service members in accomplishing their missions at home and abroad.

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

BUILT FOR ACCURACY:

Tactical NAVs performance accurately matches that of the AN/PSN-13 Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR).

MISSION:

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

VISION:

Assist and support our nations 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 successfully undergone evaluation against other software platforms and devices such as Nett Warrior, ATAK, and BFT. Its accuracy is within 1 meter of these officially approved systems issued by the DoD.

IAPs & SUBSCRIPTIONS:

Tactical NAV offers in-app purchases (IAPs) and subscriptions. Currently, tactical drawing mode is available as an in-app purchase, and offline mapping mode is also accessible to users as either a monthly or yearly subscription.

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

KEY FEATURES:

• A military-quality precision targeting platform
• Purpose-built for the individual soldier
• Offline mapping capabilities (complete usage of the app with no emission of a cellular signal)
• WGS-84 standard (MGRS, UTM, BNG, and USNG coordinates)
• 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
• 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
• Go to Grid feature for precision planning, drawing of overlays, and dropping waypoints
• Rigorously tested to ensure utmost accuracy and reliability
• iOS/iPadOS native code built for austere and contested environments

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The Department of Defense does not endorse Tactical NAV, nor should it be used in life-threatening or combat situations in place of a government-issued device.

OFFLINE MAPS TUTORIAL:

Learn more about offline maps and other features through our YouTube tutorial. Follow this link to view the video walkthrough: https://bit.ly/Offline-Maps

SUPPORT:

If you have any questions about the app, please contact Jonathan Springer directly at jon@tacticalnav.com.

Pros and cons of Tactical NAV app for iPhone and iPad

Tactical NAV app good for

I love this app. The only thing I would have is the retina resolution on the home screen. I use it day and night. Very good job !
Works great, no complaints here. Id love to see metric units as an option and the possibility to download maps of certain regions to your iPhone since data coverage downrange or out in the sticks when hiking is often problematic.
Can you please update this so it can connect via bluetooth to a helmet cam (ie: contour gps)?
Not sure what other peoples problems with this app is but it is right on the money. No electronic device should ever substitute solid navigational skills, but if you good nav skills, this app is a solid piece. Dont regret the $5. Particularly love the tactical red overlay.
It will be useful if you improve sharing options for example whatsapp, Telegram etc.
This App is Amazing in One word. Not only has it already saved military members lives, but it makes firing artillery from a cell phone and not a thousand dollar piece of crap that barley worked. Also I have found this VERY helpful in other aspects of life. I also use it to help with my outdoor activities. All in all I couldnt be happier.

Some bad moments

The app crashes on every occasion. Sorry, this one is definitely not usable. There is no possibility to download maps. It is just google maps with a grid and some gps-coordinates in the picture and of course some other boring features.
Crashes when you open it. Does not allow creating waypoints or show routes. Save your money and use built in compass and iPhone map
This company uses patriotism and the good name of the American Military to sell this app. Three crashes in 10 min and it cant do what it says in the AppStore write up. Dont buy it. I am giving it one star because of the freaking cross hairs that I just spent $5.99 on.
Bought this App to help out on a Nav Ex, but it crashes every time I attempt to enter a MGRS. Couldnt plot a single WPs or Nav point, let alone come close to establishing a route. Wouldnt recommend unless you solely wish to use for MGRS with grid overlay on google maps.
This app wasnt bad when I got it a year ago. As long as i had service I had a decent back up tool. Then, it all went wrong 6 months ago. At first I couldnt search grids, then I couldnt set wp, or routes without it crashing. Now it wont even open. FIX THIS APP!!!
It crashes a lot and if your not moving The direction from your position jumps all over the place. And I dont like that you have to set way points to get a direst ion of travel on the map