iXblue navigation system for French frigates
iXblue has been selected by Naval Group to supply inertial navigation systems for five 4000-ton frigates being built for the French Navy, the company announced on 10 January.
Under the contract, iXblue will supply the Marins inertial navigation system and Netans data distribution and processing unit.
Based on iXblue fibre optic gyroscope technology, the Marins inertial navigation system provides accurate position, heading, roll, pitch and speed information regardless of the environment, including in Global Navigation Satellite System denied environments.
At the core of the navigation system, the Netans data distribution and processing unit interfaces directly with the ship's sensors, acquiring, analysing, correlating and then distributing data to all onboard systems. The Netans range provides reliable, consistent and accurate navigation information in challenging operating environments.
Thomas Buret, head of the inertial systems and applications division, iXblue, said: ‘This contract is the outcome of a long-standing collaboration with Naval Group with whom we are working on several export programmes.
‘However, it is the first time that iXblue systems have been chosen by Naval Group to equip a new-built major combat vessel for the French Navy. This contract underlines the quality and reliability of iXblue navigation systems, which have become a standard in the naval defence market.’
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